What makes a staff a satisfied staff? One human resources expert cites three core items: management’s communication with staff, management’s commitment to supporting staff, and staff’s trust in management. To find out the level of each as well as where and how to make improvements, use a climate survey, or an opinion survey on the climate of the office. … [Read more...] about How to test the climate of the firm and staff’s satisfaction with it
Managing staff
Going crazy with Excel: What’s your story?
Sure, you know that Excel is useful for crunching numbers. You can populate spreadsheets with formulas and scenarios, and transform figures into charts. But did you know that Excel is also a tool for pilots, parents, pianists, and poets? You might be surprised at how some people have used the software. Here are just a few unusual uses that we found: One company uses Excel as a … [Read more...] about Going crazy with Excel: What’s your story?
Conducting background checks: Better safe than sorry
By Steve M. Cohen bio Despite some debate and even legal questions on method, I consistently recommend that my clients conduct background checks on all employees they intend to hire. Some of my clients are required by state or federal statutes to conduct background checks. This is especially widespread when employees will provide services to frail or vulnerable … [Read more...] about Conducting background checks: Better safe than sorry
Firm benefits from employee benefits
A firm's attention to employee satisfaction has earned it the ranking of best place to work in the state—for five years in a row. The recognition program is sponsored by the state Chamber of Commerce, and the firm has been at first place since it began. According to the human resources manager, there are four items that stand out in what the firm provides for both staff and … [Read more...] about Firm benefits from employee benefits
When employees behave stupidly outside of work
By Steve M. Cohen bio I often end up addressing some of the sadder aspects of human behavior in and around the workplace. I have frequently been called by clients to help deal with issues such as sexual harassment and bullying, an employee who uses the n-word at work and someone who gets so drunk after work that they become incredibly obnoxious in public. In all of … [Read more...] about When employees behave stupidly outside of work
Are you the reason your employees aren’t taking their vacations?
Employees' ongoing struggle to balance work with time off is significantly impacted by their boss, according to Randstad US' latest Employee Engagement Study. Randstad's survey—which was conducted online within the United States from June 10-26, 2015 of 2,279 employed adults ages 18 and older—found more than one-third of U.S. employees (39%) don't believe their bosses … [Read more...] about Are you the reason your employees aren’t taking their vacations?
Why your law firm needs a wellness program and how you can build one that works
By David C. Fortosis bio As a nation, Americans enjoy some of the best healthcare in the world. In fact, many of the advances and techniques in the treatment of complex medical conditions were tested and refined in our country. However, we are also arguably the unhealthiest country in the world: Six in 10 Americans are either overweight or obese. And this one … [Read more...] about Why your law firm needs a wellness program and how you can build one that works
Rethinking retention: A user experience approach to keeping great people
As traditional retention incentives become unsustainable, organizations are looking for new ways to attract and retain the best talent. In their recently released insights paper "Rethinking Retention: A User Experience Approach to Keeping Great People." ManpowerGroup Solutions provides a fresh perspective on retention, using a method most commonly found in product and service … [Read more...] about Rethinking retention: A user experience approach to keeping great people
Here’s a low-cost fix for office issues: Talk to your staff!
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sometimes amused by the constant flow of management tips, tricks and cure-alls that parade through media aimed at managers. Most of these ideas are not bad and some are even excellent. But I'm frequently moved to suggest that the first thing most managers should try is simply talking and listening to their staff. I realize that's not … [Read more...] about Here’s a low-cost fix for office issues: Talk to your staff!
Six ways your firm’s information may be gridlocked
In today's new world of work, organizations rarely lack information. Unfortunately, according to research from Ricoh and IDC, what today's organizations do lack is quick access to their information, which is usually gridlocked and unavailable. Ricoh USA and IDC conducted Web-based interviews of nearly 300 companies in the United States and found six ways that corporate … [Read more...] about Six ways your firm’s information may be gridlocked