Dear Experts, Can my boss change my daily work hours that I have had since October? The worse part is he told other people he was going to do it and never told me. How should I handle this situation? Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:@beneubanksQ#190 I don't see anything illegal or wrong with changing work hours within a reasonable amount. @juliaericksonQ#190 Boss cn chg hrs, u can ask why he didn't tell you & c if there's pblm u can fix - charge-neutral tone. @jtodonnellQ#190 Set up mtg w/boss & ask A) why hours were changed, B) why others were told & not you. May be good reasons why. @gradversityQ#190 Yes he can do it, but it isn't very nice. He should have let you know first. Find time to discuss the situation with him. @resumesrevealedQ#190 Boss can chg hrs. U might want to sched sit down w/him to discuss, but be positive & bring options 4 him 2 considr. @dawnbugniQ#190 A conversation is in order. Underlying respect issues need addressing now. Can chg hours. (U can chg empt) @ValueIntoWordsQ#190 Agree 2 politely address w/boss; if u r going to suggest alternate schedule, prepare 2 justify benefit 2 co. @askamanagerQ#190 Changing your hours is legal. You should just talk to him, not suffer in silence. "Just say it" is often the answer. @louise_fletcherQ#190. 1 of 2 Unfortunately, he can do this if he wants to. Not telling you is bad management practice, but it's legal. @louise_fletcherQ#190 2 of 2 If you're unhappy, sit down and address it with him, but be polite and friendly. Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!
Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.
1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs
Bigstock
Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.
2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car
Bigstock
Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.
3. Plan An Office Outing
Bigstock
Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!
4. Organize Group Walks
Bigstock
Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
5. Eat Lunch At The Park
Bigstock
When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.
6. Organize Office Sports
Bigstock
Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.
7. Join A Professional Group
Bigstock
During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.
8. Have An Office BBQ
Bigstock
Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.
9. Wake Up Early
Bigstock
Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!
10. Strategically Use Your Time Off
Bigstock
Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.
11. Bike To Work
Bigstock
If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!
There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!
Need more help with your career?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
