As a law office manager, there likely are many days when you are frantically running around trying to make plays, getting blindsided by distractions, and sometimes even losing track of the plays you should be making. However, with the proper application of technology and processes in your day, you can feel as though you are confidently running the ball, are in control, … [Read more...] about How simple technology solutions can make your job astonishingly easier
Managing staff
What #MeToo means for corporate America and why employers must continue to address sexual harassment in the workplace
The #MeToo movement brought awareness and conversation to one of the most urgent issues facing the workplace today, but not enough data has been available to point to the causes or solutions until now. A new study, "What #MeToo Means for Corporate America," conducted by the Center for Talent Innovation (CTI), is the first of its kind to measure the scope of the problem within … [Read more...] about What #MeToo means for corporate America and why employers must continue to address sexual harassment in the workplace
Try this proven 7-part employee award program to build motivation throughout the year
In a New York state office, the employee-of-the-month award goes beyond cursory congratulations. It is a recognition that lasts all year with seven reward components. Staff take the award seriously. When it is announced at the staff meeting each month, employees are supportive of each other. They cry and hug and congratulate the winner, says the manager of the 21-staff … [Read more...] about Try this proven 7-part employee award program to build motivation throughout the year
Genetic testing emerges as new trendy workplace benefit
Companies competing for talent in a tight job market often look to their benefit packages to see what they can add to help their recruiting and retention efforts. Some West Coast technology companies have even begun offering novel health-related benefits, like overnight breast-milk shipping and elective egg freezing. Increasingly, genetic testing is being offered as an … [Read more...] about Genetic testing emerges as new trendy workplace benefit
How to be a better proofreader
When hours of work are spent crafting a compelling legal brief, contract, or report, it can be very disheartening, not to mention embarrassing, to have all credibility instantly erased with one misspelled word. Of course, typos happen. Human beings make mistakes. And we can't rely on technology to save us either, unfortunately. For example, spell check would not have … [Read more...] about How to be a better proofreader
How to conduct fair and effective performance reviews
It may be the most common target for Dilbert cartoons, but the performance review is an ethical obligation for a manager. Every employee in every job setting wants to know two things: What do you expect of me? and How am I doing at meeting your expectations? A manager has an obligation to answer those questions, says Dick Grote, a management consultant … [Read more...] about How to conduct fair and effective performance reviews
Can you turn Gen Yers into solid workers? And are you ready for Gen Z?
By Lynne Curry bio Your youngest employees grew up fast. September 11 happened in 2001, when the oldest of them was six. They've known severe economic recession, the War on Terror and global warming. Is it any wonder they don't believe in the American Dream? They're fifteen to twenty-one, and entering the workforce. If you've hired Gen Z employees, or if your … [Read more...] about Can you turn Gen Yers into solid workers? And are you ready for Gen Z?
9 critical rules for managing former peers when you get promoted
Just promoted to administrator from within the ranks? Congratulations . . . and beware. It's not easy to manage former peers. Friendships have to change, and so do whatever hard feelings the new administrator had with other staffers. And relationships aside, about two thirds of the staff now reporting to the new administrator think they should have been given the job. Here … [Read more...] about 9 critical rules for managing former peers when you get promoted
4 elements of a successful summer intern program
What makes a successful summer recruiting program? A Philadelphia firm whose program is consistently ranked among the top five firms attributes its success to several factors, says Mindy Herczfeld, director of legal recruiting for Cozen O'Connor. These factors include work variety, strong attorney involvement, and a not-so-competitive environment—as well as personal mentors … [Read more...] about 4 elements of a successful summer intern program
How to maintain a well-rested staff and reduce the risk of costly mistakes
It's time for a wake-up call: Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of U.S. employees say they work while tired, with nearly one-third (31 percent) saying they do so very often, according to a survey by staffing firm Accountemps. The costs of working tired—both for professionals and the businesses they work for—are high: Respondents cite lack of focus or being easily distracted … [Read more...] about How to maintain a well-rested staff and reduce the risk of costly mistakes