It’s January – where’s my year-end bonus?

Q. In December, I was told about my year-end bonus. Um, it’s no longer year-end. Still no bonus. What should I do?

A. Definitely speak to your boss. Remain calm. Simply ask when it will appear in your paycheck or if it will be paid separately. You may need to follow up with payroll as well. Your approach to the conversation should be a matter of when, not if.

There is a possibility, however, that your boss may say bonuses are no longer being paid and communication was lax. I’ve seen cases when companies promise bonuses but they were not paid. So definitely have a conversation with your boss.

If the answer is a specific date, then keep an eye on your direct deposit and also note that the net amount will likely be less due to taxes and your contribution to 401(k). However, if the answer is, “Well, it’s not happening after all, our year-end numbers didn’t end up where we needed to be,” then without the bonus and the proactive communication, you may want to start looking for a new job. Many job seekers wait until year-end to get their bonus and then start looking so the good news is at least you won’t have that hanging over your head.

Q. Everyone has returned to the office full-time. I miss working from home, not gonna lie. How can I start working from home again? I don’t mind the actual work in the office, but one coworker gossips all the time, another one is a loud eater, etc. Help!

A. First, know that you’re not alone as many professionals prefer to work remotely. OK, let’s address your first concern: How can you start working from home again? Ask your boss. See if it’s possible — I wouldn’t necessarily suggest five days per week. Perhaps two days a week or three with the possibility to ease into ramping up to five days again. Point out your productivity while working at home compared to distractions in the office. Also, be aware that it may not be up to your boss to decide, and if your company has a strict mandate, no matter how well you plead your case, it may be nixed. But it’s definitely worth a shot by asking!

Next, as for colleagues, you can handle it a few ways. Address the gossip directly. You may want to talk to the person and indicate you don’t participate in gossip and they should do that on their own time. For the loud eater, that’s a tricky situation. Perhaps avoid being at your desk when they eat lunch since you’re entitled to a break during lunchtime as well. Leverage this time to institute new habits such as going outside for lunch, taking a power walk and more and then you’ll also have less interaction with gossipy coworkers and/or coworkers with crunchy food.

If the working remote situation is reinstated, then these two points will be moot aside from occasionally coming into the office, and then you’ll probably have more tolerance for it since it’s only temporary.

Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach./Tribune News Service