Karla L. Miller

Karla L. Miller offers weekly advice on workplace dramas and traumas. You can send her questions at karla.miller@washpost.com.
Latest from Karla L. Miller

Work Advice: Qualified, experienced — yet somehow unhirable

In “The Stigma Trap,” a researcher examines the forces that keep even successful, experienced workers trapped in long-term unemployment.

January 18, 2024

Work Advice: How a boss can learn to stop worrying and love hybrid work

A nonprofit director wants to keep staff happy by allowing remote work, but has concerns about the impact on function and communications.

January 11, 2024

Work Advice: Can’t keep younger workers? Try offering what they value.

Instead of focusing on generalizations about younger generations of workers, focus on learning how their priorities and values intersect with your business’s goals.

January 4, 2024

Work Advice: More standoffs over return-to-office mandates loom in 2024

New management is laying down a strict new back-to-office policy with no exceptions. Should I angle to be laid off instead?

December 28, 2023

Work Advice looks back on 2023

Readers whose questions were published in 2023 Work Advice tell us what came after.

December 14, 2023

Work Advice: Lunch and learn, with an inedible lunch

A worker wonders if it’s disrespectful to duck out of externally hosted lunch presentations where they can’t eat the food provided.

December 8, 2023

Work Advice: This ‘holiday’ office party is all Christmas, all the way

A Jewish employee is finding it hard to grin and bear the company’s annual Christmas-crazed holiday party.

November 30, 2023

Work Advice: How much notice should I give before retiring?

According to most reader responses, it’s still customary to give 3 to 6 months’ notice when you plan to retire. But look carefully at your circumstances first.

November 16, 2023

Work Advice: Friction between leaders makes project a time bomb

A manager and a contractor’s combative relationship threaten to jeopardize a large project. How can bystanders keep it from blowing up in their faces?

November 9, 2023

Work Advice: My side-gig client ratted me out to my boss

The friend I was doing side work for knew I had to keep it secret from my boss, but told her anyway. What should I say to him?

November 2, 2023