By Samantha Bomkamp | The Associated Press

When it comes to workplace relationships, the general advice is to keep your distance. After all, friendships can be tested by a number of different issues in the workplace. But the people we see every day at work often become our closest friends. It’s no wonder, we spend roughly half of our waking hours with them.

By Daneen Skube Interpersonal Edge | Tribune Media Services

I’m really good at what I do! I’m often asked to “mentor” people in and outside my company but I’m never rewarded for doing so. I’m tired of being expected to help others in my profession without any respect for how long I’ve worked to learn what I know. How can I command respect?

By Joyce Lain Kennedy Workplace Q&A | Tribune Media Services

By Lily Garcia Special to The Washington Post

By Rozanne R. Worrell Workplace Woes – Roze Knows

By Joyce Lain Kennedy Workplace Q&A | Tribune Media Services

By Joyce Lain Kennedy Tribune Media Services

1. Realize that, apart from common-sense courtesy, there’s no single standard of rules. Cultural fit is in the eye of the beholder making the hiring decision. Dress, look and speak like the rest of the company’s crew, silently proclaiming, “I’m one of you.”

By Daneen Skube Interpersonal Edge | Tribune Media Services

I’ve been in a career funk for the last year. I used to feel like I was passionate about my job now I feel like I just go through the motions. How can I get my mojo back?

By Joyce Lain Kennedy Workplace Q&A | Tribune Media Services

DEAR JOYCE: Can you state the advantages of telecommuting that I can use to persuade my employer to let me work from home? – H.J.H.

Here are eight arguments to offer, thanks to Kate Lister and Tom Harnish, authors of “Undress for Success: The Naked Truth About Making Money at Home” (Wiley, 2009).

By Joyce Lain Kennedy Tribune Media Services