By Lynne Curry Employees have changed how they’re working—as wise employers race to catch up. Here’s what’s new: Workday dead zone Managers and employees once viewed 4 p.m. as an ideal staff meeting time. Managers could catch everyone in the office before the workday ended yet after peak productivity hours ended. Employees knew the meeting wouldn’t drag on past five … [Read more...] about Hybrid work creates a workday dead zone
Managing staff
10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
Meetings are an essential part of the collaborative work environment in a law office. However, excessive and unproductive meetings can lead to wasted time and hinder the efficiency of your legal team. As a law office administrator, it is crucial to optimize staff time and resources. In this article, we will explore practical strategies to help law office administrators reduce … [Read more...] about 10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
Employers need to come to grips with employees’ mental health struggles
By Lynne Curry “I’m not my employees’ babysitter, their mommy, or their therapist,” the CEO insisted. The problem that led to his call—his company’s 2024 employee survey revealed large numbers of his company’s employees expected mental health benefits. “What are these employees thinking?” he asked. “We offer a generous sick leave allowance and they’re asking for paid … [Read more...] about Employers need to come to grips with employees’ mental health struggles
How great managers delegate
When it comes to delegating work to staff, managers rarely hit a happy medium. Instead, they tend to fall at the ends of the spectrum: those who do not delegate enough and those who delegate too much. But by far, it is the under-delegators who are greatest in number. And it is under-delegation that most causes employees to lose interest in their jobs. Lack of delegation … [Read more...] about How great managers delegate
How to support a grieving employee
When an employee is grieving a loss, a good manager can make things a little easier at work. The grieving process is deeply personal and varies from individual to individual, so it’s crucial to approach each situation with empathy and flexibility. Here are some ways officeAll Users management can support a grieving employee: Express condolences: Offer sincere condolences … [Read more...] about How to support a grieving employee
6 ways to dodge the dreaded performance review
Performance reviews: You don’t like to do them, employees dread them and they may not be all that effective in improving work behavior. Here are five alternatives to an annual performance review. Regular feedback sessions: Instead of a once-a-year review, schedule regular feedback sessions throughout the year to discuss performance and provide feedback. These sessions … [Read more...] about 6 ways to dodge the dreaded performance review
An inexpensive organizational fix: communication
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen I’ve found that most organizations can benefit significantly from a simple, low-cost change in their operations: more two-way communication. For busy law office managers, time can be among their most valuable commodities so I don’t make this recommendation lightly. But even a few minutes each day to foster better communication with your staff can … [Read more...] about An inexpensive organizational fix: communication
Think long and hard before friending work colleagues on Facebook
By Lynne Curry I get it. You love Facebook and when individuals you work with requested you add them as friends, you did. At first, you didn’t have any trouble. Instead, you had the fun of seeing your coworkers’ interesting endeavors and the reinforcing experience of so many colleagues wanting to be your friends and then liking your posts. But then it happened. … [Read more...] about Think long and hard before friending work colleagues on Facebook
Nurturing talent: Unleashing the potential of employees
Retaining top talent is crucial for the success of any law office. To do so, law office managers must recognize the importance of developing and empowering high-potential employees. By identifying these individuals and providing them with leadership opportunities, you can not only increase their job satisfaction but also enhance the overall performance and growth of your law … [Read more...] about Nurturing talent: Unleashing the potential of employees
8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both attorneys and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things—the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager