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The Global Insight

Can boss ask personal questions?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on March 09, 2026

Currently, employers and interviewers in the State of California are permitted to ask applicants about their previous salary-although many best-practice guides advise against this, because of its implications under the Fair Pay Act as a potential form of gender-specific discrimination against women.

How do you ask your boss for something?

Here are some tips and samples for writing politely.

  1. Make a suggestion rather than giving advice.
  2. Make a request rather than saying what you think.
  3. Instead of giving orders, make a request.
  4. Involve the other person, rather than focusing on your own needs.
  5. Remind your boss why it’s important.
  6. Extra Help.

Is it rude to say noted?

Answering a question or a statement from another person with just one word, such as “Noted, can be considered rude by the other person. If you did not intend to be rude, or did not want to be considered rude, you could have and should have answered with a complete sentence, something like “OK, I’ve noted it.”

Can a boss ask why you are sick?

Is it legal for an employer to ask why you are sick? No federal law prohibits employers from asking employees why they are out sick. They are free to ask questions such as when you expect to return to work. They may also require you to furnish proof of your illness, such as a note from a physician.

When to ask your boss for more work?

If you feel uninspired or like you’re suffering from under-challenged burnout at work, consider asking your boss for more work and responsibility. This sort of initiative shows your boss that you’re not the type of employee looking to show up, clock hours, and collect a paycheck. Here’s how to ask for more work.

What should I Ask my Boss in a negotiation?

Rather, come to your negotiation with all the accomplishments you have already achieved—as well as your plans for future projects and improvements. For example, if you’re looking for a flexible work situation, you might lead by detailing all of the distraction-free work and strategy you can achieve while working from home or a remote location.

What do you say when an employee refuses to do something?

“Do what I tell you to do. I’m the boss.” (When an employee refuses to do something.) Everyone is an adult at work. If you’re setting different standards for yourself, you can’t expect your employees to respect what you ask them to do. Using the above phrase when speaking to your team is demeaning and disrespectful.

How to ask your manager to work from home?

How your manager and team will know your output. Describe how you and your manager can assess your performance while working from home. You’ll likely want to stick to whatever metrics your team currently uses, but you may need to communicate your accomplishments more regularly if you go remote.