At the Workplace Archives - The Methodist Church in Singapore

At the Workplace

Double standards of WFO/WFH implementation

1 December 2024

I’m one of 12 heads of department (HODs) in a 200-staff organisation. We have a hybrid arrangement and work from home two days per week. However, there are teams not following this corporate rule and which come to the office once or twice a week. The HODs have agreed to enforce this rule but only half are doing so. Meanwhile, the rule abiders are demoralised by the double standards and management’s ineffectiveness. In fact, one of the bosses seem to be condoning the flouting of rules. The senior management is aware but nothing’s been done. I feel conflicted as a believer because I want to show integrity, strong work ethics and values, but I can’t help but identify with the unfairness. What should I do? ~ Conflicted

My colleagues take advantage of my helpful nature

1 November 2024

I can’t claim to be an ardent follower of Philippians 2:3-4 where it says we should consider others first before self, but I try. My peers at work, however, see this as my weakness and take advantage of it. Working in an NGO where teamwork is emphasised, my colleagues frequently request my help with their admin tasks—work I am not good at or like to do, and certainly not my core area of responsibility. While I am glad to help and grateful to God for his spirit working in me, I am in a dilemma as to how to cope with my real duties and not be appraised as under-performing or unhelpful. How should I manage being a good employee and still reflect Christ in me? ~ itCost2bConsiderate

My staff can’t seem to work independently

1 October 2024

I supervise someone at work. She has been in this role for almost 20 years. While I try to empower and not micromanage, I have realised that she is often not able to work independently and/or think proactively about improving work processes. How do I encourage or help her to understand that she has to think more independently instead of having me tell her what to do? ~ the reluctant supervisor

Should I date my boss?

1 July 2024

My boss has been hinting that he is interested in me and has asked me out more than once. I have politely declined up to now because I’m not sure about how it will look and affect my relationship with teammates. To his credit, he has been professional at work. What should I do? ~ Love Actually

My colleague is now my boss

1 March 2024

I am an office worker in my 40s, in a four-member SME team. My boss resigned recently and one of my colleagues will be promoted to oversee the team. I am more senior and experienced than her and have been in the company for a longer time. I recognise that she will be able to fill the role of a manager but I am not sure if I am able to change my perspective from relating to her as a colleague to seeing her as my boss. I know that I should submit to the authority within the company structure but feel there is some unfairness in the promotion process and am not convinced she’s the best person for the job. What should I do?

Why do Gen Zs seem to “ghost” older colleagues?

1 February 2024

Why are Gen Zs unresponsive when older, more senior colleagues send messages to them on messaging platforms? Aren’t Gen Zs digital natives? Why are they “ghosting” us? The older colleagues see it as somewhat rude and unprofessional. Please help us understand them!

Should I blow the whistle on a colleague who trusts me?

1 September 2023

My colleague was unhappy that I reported an error which occurred to my bosses. As per protocol, this involved listing the names of all of the personnel involved in the incident. He later confessed to me over text that he had not been reporting such incidents to my bosses due to fear of negative repercussions. I feel that this is not the right thing to do. Should I blow the whistle on this colleague to my supervisor?

Oppressed and bullied at work

1 August 2023

It’s been three months since I took over a managerial role. I am not supported or welcomed by my staff of four, my boss and assistant boss. I feel very oppressed and bullied at work. I feel like I need to outsmart them and break up their clan.

Friendship with a female colleague

1 July 2023

I am a married man. I have a female colleague whom I work with on occasions for certain projects, and we get along very well. She is supportive of the work I do, and my feeling is reciprocal. Is it okay for me to have a casual or close friendship with my female colleague? Would eating a meal alone with her regularly, say once or twice a week, be perceived as suspicious? Is avoiding being friendly with her the safest way of steering clear from an undesirable relationship?