By Lynne Curry bio Question: Our department’s weekly Zoom meetings are a train wreck. One coworker’s kids pop their heads in front of the screen and wave “hello.” Another guy’s kids are on the other side of the table from where he sits, and they interrupt him when he’s talking to argue with him. I’m obligated to attend these meetings. Any advice would be … [Read more...] about 8 ways to cut the chaos on Zoom
Managing staff
Here’s why the NLRB hates your no gossiping policy
By Paul Edwards bio I keep running into this problem as we evaluate pre-existing employee handbooks across the country. The issue is that, as an employer, you want to address employees standing around and gossiping. Or standing around and not being productive, or standing around and distracting those who are being productive. In fact, you don’t want employees standing, or … [Read more...] about Here’s why the NLRB hates your no gossiping policy
How to help employees at peak burnout
By Indira Totaram bio It’s the feeling of being drained but unable to recharge, the frustration of a tiring routine, the everyday distress in response to the current state of the world—employee burnout is now more widespread than ever. As the pandemic endures and its effects trickle down, many are struggling to keep up with workplace demands, longer hours, and remote work … [Read more...] about How to help employees at peak burnout
Exit interviews: You might be surprised by what you learn
By Lynne Curry bio “Good riddance” the supervisor mutters the day his employee leaves. As the practice manager, however, you have doubts. “Kate” is the third employee who’s resigned from your practice in the last 18 months. All three worked for “Jim.” If you want to learn the truth, you need to talk to these employees who’ve chosen to leave—before they carry away the answers … [Read more...] about Exit interviews: You might be surprised by what you learn
Voluntary COVID-19 vaccination policy
It is important for you to ensure that your law office workers get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect not only themselves but also co-workers, clients and others at your facility. But what if employees neglect or just plain refuse to be vaccinated? There are two basic options: Option 1: Require workers to be vaccinated Option 2: Encourage workers to be vaccinated … [Read more...] about Voluntary COVID-19 vaccination policy
Model Social Distancing Policy
As the pandemic drags on, essential businesses that remain open must be scrupulous to ensure employees maintain social distancing both at and away from the workplace. Here’s a Model Policy you can adapt to accomplish that objective in accordance with your specific circumstances and the terms of the latest public health guidelines in effect in your state or city. … [Read more...] about Model Social Distancing Policy
Post-pandemic period a chance to try flexible staffing strategies
By Lynne Curry bio Question: COVID-19 hit our northern U.S. law practice hard. We cut employees, then salaries, and then we cut again. We lost half of our clients as their fortunes failed; other clients cut their work to the bone. Our revenue is down 70%. Some office staffers left our state when their spouses’ high-paying jobs evaporated. Others took off when COVID-19 … [Read more...] about Post-pandemic period a chance to try flexible staffing strategies
Disciplining employees for not following COVID-19 restrictions when they are off-duty
Picture this: COVID-19 cases are surging. Your state or city is in full lockdown mode. That means, among other things, that outdoor gatherings of more than 50 people aren’t allowed. So, it disturbs you to turn on the Sunday news and see hundreds of people crowding together to demonstrate right in the middle of downtown. And then it gets personal. You recognize one of those … [Read more...] about Disciplining employees for not following COVID-19 restrictions when they are off-duty
New rules for wellness programs & marijuana legal in more places
By Mike O'Brien bio Employment law continues to change rapidly with a change in federal government administration and the continuing pandemic. As manager of a law office, it’s just one more thing to keep up with. Here are a few recent developments. New rules coming for employer wellness programs On Jan. 7, 2021, the EEOC issued proposed rules related to what incentives … [Read more...] about New rules for wellness programs & marijuana legal in more places
New year, new city? Professionals and employees reveal relocation plans amid pandemic
Relocation is a big consideration for both professionals and their employers right now. A recent study by a global staffing firm shows 44 per cent of workers surveyed said they would consider moving to a different city if their company offered long-term remote arrangements, and another three per cent have already made a move. 44 per cent of professionals would consider … [Read more...] about New year, new city? Professionals and employees reveal relocation plans amid pandemic