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!
Managing the office
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
Why you should avoid hiring your clone
Hiring a new employee is a tedious task that every law office manager faces. But what if, two months after hiring a new employee, you realize that you have simply hired yourself? At first this may not sound like a terrible decision but, by taking a step back and looking at what hiring yourself really means, you'll notice that every employee at the organization has the same … [Read more...] about Why you should avoid hiring your clone
How to create a culture of professional development and keep your top employees
Rather than working their way up the corporate ladder, top talent is more often looking for jobs that enable them to develop their skills and increase their value in a future role, according to a new report released by Right Management, the global workforce consulting arm of ManpowerGroup. "Fulfilling Careers Instead of Filling Jobs" suggests that companies can significantly … [Read more...] about How to create a culture of professional development and keep your top employees
Have you taken your vacation yet? If not, it could be affecting your relationships at home
American workers value quality time with their loved ones above all else, but employees' behavior doesn't align with those priorities, says a new Project: Time Off study, "The Work Martyr's Affair: How America's Lost Week Quietly Threatens Our Relationships." The study, conducted by GfK Public Affairs, examines how employees balance their professional and personal lives, a … [Read more...] about Have you taken your vacation yet? If not, it could be affecting your relationships at home
Use contract employees and temporary workers to solve difficult staffing issues
If your legal practice is like most, it's difficult to make a case for adding full-time office staff. And it's no wonder. Full-time employee benefits, including Social Security, 401k/403b contribution, disability insurance, health insurance, pension plan, and paid time off, add approximately 40 percent to an employee's salary, according to Salary.com, a leading provider of … [Read more...] about Use contract employees and temporary workers to solve difficult staffing issues
Don’t let another firm steal your staff
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen The old saying that “the grass is always greener” is actually a fairly accurate description of one aspect of human nature. And this trait almost certainly applies to members of your office. As other organizations grow and the need for professional staff increases, openings will be filled by stealing the best from offices. It’s frustrating, but it’s … [Read more...] about Don’t let another firm steal your staff
When it comes to workplace health strategies, is your firm a leader or a follower?
Most employers plan to change their long-term health strategies to evolve with the changing health landscape, yet a new Aon Hewitt survey shows there has been little effort over the past year to move in that direction. So what is most likely to drive the impetus for change? According to Aon Hewitt's survey of more than 1,000 companies, one of the biggest drivers is what other … [Read more...] about When it comes to workplace health strategies, is your firm a leader or a follower?
Being mean doesn’t make an office efficient
By Steve M. Cohen bio I recently saw some good management advice in The New York Times, of all places! The newspaper published a great article describing how there is "No Time to Be Nice at Work." I found this to be good reading for any manager. Author Christine Porath noted several significant concerns that are relevant today, including her findings that … [Read more...] about Being mean doesn’t make an office efficient
Here’s an easy way to make your performance reviews effective
Everybody knows employees need job feedback. Yet most employers don't provide enough of it. Neither do they provide the type of feedback that explains what people have to do to improve. If they are to be useful, employee reviews have to include certain elements. There have to be expectations the employee can understand, meetings to keep the employee on track, and an annual … [Read more...] about Here’s an easy way to make your performance reviews effective