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?
Topics
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
7 ways to improve your billings and collections processes
The financial face of the legal business has changed over the years and most firms have learned to become aggressive about collecting outstanding accounts. However, if your firm is still allowing clients to delay payment, recognize that it's costing you money, sometimes a lot of money. "An unpaid bill is an interest-free loan," says business and financial management … [Read more...] about 7 ways to improve your billings and collections processes
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
5 proven ways to motivate your staff without spending money
Motivation isn't a matter of money. It's a matter of management, says business and leadership coach Monica Wofford of Contagious Companies in Orlando, FL. Here she lists five good motivators that are within reach of any administrator, regardless of the payroll budget. Fit the person to the job Find out what each staffer's skills and interests are and make an effort to align … [Read more...] about 5 proven ways to motivate your staff without spending money
In era of #MeToo, employers are still failing to take new steps to address sexual harassment
The spotlight on workplace sexual harassment since fall 2017 has led to high-profile resignations, terminations, and lawsuits. And while the revelations and consequences have prompted ongoing, national conversations about appropriate behavior, only 32 percent of working Americans said that their employer has taken new steps to prevent and address sexual harassment in the … [Read more...] about In era of #MeToo, employers are still failing to take new steps to address sexual harassment
Setting up new employees for long-term success
By Piyush Patel bio So you've finally found the perfect candidate to fill that role. You've spent endless hours reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and now you've found a great person who is ready to join your team. Now you need a plan on how to get them set up, trained, and assimilated into the company—a process known as onboarding. While holding a basic … [Read more...] about Setting up new employees for long-term success
Louisiana firm bases attorney bonuses on amount collected
A Louisiana firm set up an attorney bonus program that rewards not the amount billed but the amount collected. It is attorney-specific, which means the good performers get rewarded accordingly. And the payouts are given every quarter. The program rewards the quality producers, the attorneys who not only put numbers on the books but whose efforts and billable hours … [Read more...] about Louisiana firm bases attorney bonuses on amount collected
8 quick ways to improve communication with your staff
Only a great communicator can be a great manager. Here are eight rules for communicating well with staff. 1 Give reasons Always give complete information on decisions that affect staff. If there's no reason given for some new requirement, don't expect people to get behind it and support it. They start second guessing the why of it, and that second guess is apt to be negative. … [Read more...] about 8 quick ways to improve communication with your staff