Employees in the US find it increasingly difficult to ignore political discussions in their workplace, and 31% believe political conversations among coworkers decrease their company's productivity. Throughout February 2017, Clutch, a B2B ratings and reviews site, surveyed 1,000 full-time employees to evaluate their experience with political expression in the workplace and … [Read more...] about When watercooler talk turns political, workplace productivity drops
Managing staff
Is one lawyer putting your firm at risk of a social media firefight?
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio Consider this scenario: One of your firm's most successful attorneys is also one of the most abrasive individuals you've met. He doubles down whenever he gets into any kind of skirmish, no matter who it's with—a client, an employee, or even someone on the street. You've tried for years to get this "Darth Vader" to change. No such luck. … [Read more...] about Is one lawyer putting your firm at risk of a social media firefight?
Information Security Checklist for Small Businesses
Why you need this checklist: This checklist, created by Sensei Enterprises, Inc., will help you identify what your cybersecurity program must address. How this checklist helps you: This checklist will help you pinpoint your cybersecurity policy's strengths and weaknesses. How to use this checklist: Print off this checklist and review it with members of your cybersecurity … [Read more...] about Information Security Checklist for Small Businesses
NJ firm finds an easy way to reduce last-minute sick calls
Experience is often a manager's best education. Such is the case for the long-time manager of a practice in New Jersey, who has found that the best way to prevent the last minute sick calls is to allow staff to carry their sick days over to the next year. But instead of transferring as sick days, the time becomes personal days to use however they want. As in any office the … [Read more...] about NJ firm finds an easy way to reduce last-minute sick calls
What we’re overlooking when it comes to time management
By Brady Wilson bio Many times, I've seen business leaders send their employees off to time management courses in the hopes that the training will help increase engagement and productivity. Many times, I've seen those same leaders show bewilderment when the training doesn't seem to have any impact—or worse yet, results in employees being less engaged and less … [Read more...] about What we’re overlooking when it comes to time management
Keep your firm and yourself cyber safe with some digital spring cleaning
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are encouraging consumers to get their online lives in good order by conducting a thorough cleanse of their cyber clutter and make "digital spring cleaning" an annual ritual to help protect valuable personal data. A NCSA survey found that preventing identity theft is a top safety concern for Americans, … [Read more...] about Keep your firm and yourself cyber safe with some digital spring cleaning
‘Favorites’ list source of popular employee awards
When Audrey M. Serban gives her staff members rewards for work done well, she can be sure the reward is something the employee will like. That's because she has a list of 'Favorites' for each staffer, and chooses the gift, large or small, from that. Serban, office manager for Fisher & Phillips, LLP, in Murray Hill, NJ, says, "I thought I'd share an idea that seems to … [Read more...] about ‘Favorites’ list source of popular employee awards
What employee drug use is costing your practice
Workers with substance use disorders miss nearly 50 percent more days than their peers, and up to six weeks of work annually, according to analysis from the National Safety Council, NORC at the University of Chicago, and Shatterproof. Despite the alarming new statistics, there is a persistent gap between employer perceptions of impact and the actual human and business costs … [Read more...] about What employee drug use is costing your practice
Biases and the use of flexible work arrangements in law firms
While the availability of flexible work arrangements has increased in law firms, new research released by The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance suggests that not all lawyers and staff are using the policies. The third annual Law Firm Flexibility Benchmarking Survey, recently released, examines the availability and usage of flexible work policies in large U.S. law firms. … [Read more...] about Biases and the use of flexible work arrangements in law firms
Why you need to draw the line on unethical behavior
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Some of the most difficult office decisions come down to ethics, and some of the most difficult ethical decisions often seem mundane at first glance. Regardless, I recommend caution because the potential pitfalls are so serious. I have a client who hired someone away from a competitor. The first week on the job, this new hire produced "intelligence" … [Read more...] about Why you need to draw the line on unethical behavior