By Lynne Curry “Doing time, that’s what going into the office to work feels to me.” “Like…jail?” “Like I’m selling my freedom for a paycheck. The bars close behind me every morning.” “Jim’s” employer didn’t want him to resign. “Could you interview him and find out if there’s anything we can do to keep him?” It took less than three minutes to learn—his … [Read more...] about Employers need to realize some employees would rather quit than return to the office
Managing staff
Hybrid work creates a workday dead zone
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
Getting your head back in the game after vacation
As a dedicated law office administrator, taking time off for vacation is essential for personal well-being and professional growth. However, stepping back into your role after a break can be daunting due to the unique responsibilities and intricacies of the position. To ensure a seamless reintegration and effective prioritization of tasks, here are specific and tailored tips … [Read more...] about Getting your head back in the game after vacation
How to help your staff in times of economic uncertainty
In times of economic uncertainty, employees may experience increased stress, anxiety, and insecurity about their financial well-being. As an office manager, it is crucial to proactively address these concerns and provide support to your team. By fostering a positive and caring work environment, you can help your employees navigate these challenging times with confidence and … [Read more...] about How to help your staff in times of economic uncertainty
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
Checklist: Before you leave on vacation
Your long-awaited and well-deserved summer vacation is approaching. Is your staff prepared to run the office smoothly in your absence? Use this list to see if you have the bases covered. Vacation Preparation Checklist for Law Office Administrators Delegate Responsibilities: Assign the paralegal to handle client intake and initial case assessments during your … [Read more...] about Checklist: Before you leave on vacation
How to support a grieving employee
When an employee is grieving the 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 office management can support a grieving employee: Express condolences: Offer sincere condolences to the … [Read more...] about How to support a grieving employee
7 ways to deal with gossip and promote a positive work culture
People like to talk about other people, and the lively, sociable staffers in a law office are no exception. Workplace gossip can be a persistent challenge, capable of undermining team dynamics, eroding trust, and hindering productivity. As the manager of a law office, it is crucial for you to recognize the detrimental impact gossip can have on your team's overall performance … [Read more...] about 7 ways to deal with gossip and promote a positive work culture
Model Tool: Employee referral form
Why you need this form: Employee referral continues to be the number one source of external hires. Good employees know other good employees, so why not tap this valuable pipeline of potential job candidates? How this form helps you: This customizable sample form provides a mechanism for tracking employee referrals. How to use this form: This Model Form serves as a … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Employee referral form
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