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
Managing staff
Employers need to come to grips with employees’ mental health struggles
By Lynne Curry “I’m not my employees’ babysitter, their mommy, or their therapist,” the CEO insisted. The problem that led to his call—his company’s 2024 employee survey revealed large numbers of his company’s employees expected mental health benefits. “What are these employees thinking?” he asked. “We offer a generous sick leave allowance and they’re asking for paid … [Read more...] about Employers need to come to grips with employees’ mental health struggles
How to manage change
"The only constant in life is change." This timeless adage rings especially true in the dynamic world of legal practice. As a law office administrator, navigating changes—whether they stem from adopting new technology, undergoing organizational restructuring, or implementing revised policies and procedures—is essential for maintaining efficiency and fostering growth within your … [Read more...] about How to manage change
The breakroom saga: a true story with a surprise ending
By Lynne Curry Stay tuned for this week’s exciting episode of The Breakroom Sagas. If your office’s breakroom is a hotbed of unresolved conflict, you’ll recognize these characters and their dramas. . At 3 p.m., “Harry” exploded into the manager’s office because someone swiped his turkey and cheese sandwich. According to Harry, one bite would have convinced anyone … [Read more...] about The breakroom saga: a true story with a surprise ending
Stay on top of these key HR issues in your law office
Top HR issues in a law office often revolve around the unique challenges of managing a professional, high-pressure environment. Here are some of the most common HR concerns law office managers face and how to stay on top of them: Recruitment and Retention of Talent Challenge: Attracting and retaining skilled attorneys, paralegals, and support staff is crucial but … [Read more...] about Stay on top of these key HR issues in your law office
What it takes for a good manager to be a good leader
A good manager is often synonymous with being a good leader, but it’s important to recognize that while there is overlap between the two roles, they are not identical. A manager typically has responsibilities related to organizing, planning, and controlling processes and resources to achieve specific goals. On the other hand, a leader focuses on inspiring, motivating, and … [Read more...] about What it takes for a good manager to be a good leader
8 rules for running your office right, especially if it’s a small one
The smaller the office, the more the manager works under a microscope. Everybody sees everything that's going on and everything the manager does. For a new manager in that setting, the microscope gets even stronger because staff are watching to see who their new boss is. And if that new manager has been promoted from within, the scrutiny is unforgiving because it's coming … [Read more...] about 8 rules for running your office right, especially if it’s a small one
7 ways to communicate power when you write and speak
As a law office manager, your words—both written and spoken—carry weight. They reflect your authority, set the tone for your team, and influence how others perceive you. Communicating power isn’t about being aggressive or domineering; it’s about exuding confidence, clarity, and competence. Here are seven strategies to help you convey power effectively when you write and … [Read more...] about 7 ways to communicate power when you write and speak
HR scenario: How do I handle ‘quiet vacationing’?
By Lynne Curry Question: I’m a small business owner and trust my employees. The majority are great. In the past two years, I’ve actively sought ways to reward them for hard work and keep them motivated. When our amazing summer began in May, I shortened our work week to four days for as long as summer lasted, giving every employee a guilt-free Friday off. I manage … [Read more...] about HR scenario: How do I handle ‘quiet vacationing’?
When staffers bully their supervisor
By Lynne Curry She came to work early, rarely took a full lunch break, and almost always worked past five p.m. Six of her nine staffers considered her an effective leader. She ran a successful department until her other three direct reports drove her out. Empowered by their victory, this “gang of three” ran off two successive managers before the company’s senior … [Read more...] about When staffers bully their supervisor