By Lynne Curry “He’s talented but anti-social,” the business owner said of his accounting manager when he called. “At first, we thought the problem was that “Gene” was a finance type and kind of a geek. But there have been odd comments from others over the last two years,” explained the business owner as he asked for my help as an HR consultant. “The latest problem is he … [Read more...] about Coming out at work
How to support an employee who chooses to come out at work
Supporting a staffer who has chosen to come out at work can be an important way to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees. Coming out of the closet, often shortened to coming out, is a metaphor used to describe LGBT people’s self-disclosure of their sexual orientation, romantic orientation, or gender identity. Here are some ways you can support an … [Read more...] about How to support an employee who chooses to come out at work
10 tips for winter safety in your office parking lot
As extreme winter conditions continue in many parts of the country, remember to have your office parking lot maintained for the safety of your employees and clients. Here are some tips for promoting safety in your office parking lot this winter and being better prepared for future winters: Clear the parking lot of snow and ice regularly to improve traction and reduce the … [Read more...] about 10 tips for winter safety in your office parking lot
Six mistakes to avoid when you mentor millennials in your law office
Somebody probably helped you move ahead in your career in law office administration. Now it’s your turn to help another person progress in your field. Chances are this younger colleague is a millennial, born between 1981 and 1996. Here are some potential pitfalls to be aware of when mentoring millennials: Assumptions about their values and motivations: It is important to … [Read more...] about Six mistakes to avoid when you mentor millennials in your law office
Still managing remote staff? 8 tips to do it better
As lawyers continue to drag their feet about returning to work at the office, many legal support staff also want to continue to work remotely. Unless your law office is taking a hard stance about working on the premises, it's likely you will continue to supervise some of your team from afar. While managing a remote workforce can present its own set of challenges, it can also … [Read more...] about Still managing remote staff? 8 tips to do it better
Managers hold the key to employee engagement and retention
With many workplaces now allowing hybrid work, new complexities in managing the workplace are emerging, says the The Conference Board in a new report. Recent evidence suggests that productivity among US workers has declined significantly from heights experienced during the pandemic. Remote and hybrid work arrangements combined with ill-prepared managers may be a cause. Why it … [Read more...] about Managers hold the key to employee engagement and retention
Praise is nice but a year-end bonus is better
A year-end bonus can be a powerful tool for reminding your staff their hard work and commitment and the company’s overall growth and success are closely intertwined. And according to a survey of employers, 50% of companies plan to award year-end bonuses in 2022. While this is down from 63% last year, it’s a sign that staff retention remains top of mind for many … [Read more...] about Praise is nice but a year-end bonus is better
Do you just open your mouth and let the words fly?
By Lynne Curry When you’re upset with another person, do you open your mouth and let your emotions erupt and words fly? If you want to resolve an interpersonal conflict, you can’t afford to blast the other person. While you may feel vindicated, you risk the other person attacking back, getting defensive or shutting down If you want things to become better and not worse … [Read more...] about Do you just open your mouth and let the words fly?
Are there guns in your workplace?
By Lynne Curry If you think the national division over guns hasn’t hit your workplace, you haven’t been listening. Not only are the employees who advocate for increased gun control, including a ban on assault-style rifles like the AR-15, engaged in an active argument with those who argue for fewer restrictions on gun owners’ ability to carry concealed firearms—but some of … [Read more...] about Are there guns in your workplace?
Signs of potential disaster were present at Walmart—Are they at your workplace?
By Lynne Curry There were signs of potential disaster that later erupted in six deaths when Walmart supervisor Andre Bing shot and killed six coworkers in November. There always are. Four decades of investigating violent workplace incidents have convinced me of this. “I didn’t want to say anything,” someone always says, “but….” “That was just ‘Jon,’ but we all sort … [Read more...] about Signs of potential disaster were present at Walmart—Are they at your workplace?