MAC Workbook Autofit REMOVES my DOCK and hides top menu bar - How can I STOP these from happening?

[debtiger64]

This is my first post here. I'm using a MAC with OSX El Capitan and Office 2011. I believe the newest update of Office or the new OSX upgrade made these changes to the Excel program. I've looked at all the possible preferences to remedy the problem but can't seem to find any solutions.

1 ) When a workbook is opened into "autofit"/ full size / maximum mode - the top menu bar hides, my dock is covered (and inaccessible) and the 3 buttons (close, min & max) are no longer accessible without pressing ESCAPE to go back to a smaller size. WHY?!?!

PLEASE does anyone have an idea of how to manipulate these actions?

Your help is much appreciated.

 

[debtiger64]

ACTUALLY - I think autofit may be the wrong term as that is used for rows & columns - I'm referring to the entire worksheet and what happens when you click the green (maximize) button.