By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio How many times have you left the scene of a hit and run employee accident? Have you dented any employee fenders this month? What did it cost you? When hit and run supervisors spot problem situations, they race to the scene, take fast action and speed away, not realizing they may have left one or more employee casualties in their … [Read more...] about How to stop being a “hit and run” supervisor
Risk management
Watch out for federal and state laws when promoting your practice on social media and websites
Social media can be useful for getting a practice's name out there and helping potential clients find you. But there are legal and ethical issues raised by use of social media. Federal and state laws are also implicated when a law office decides to promote its services whether it be through establishing a website or participating in forums such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. … [Read more...] about Watch out for federal and state laws when promoting your practice on social media and websites
A tale of 2 workplace bullies and why they need to be stopped
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio If you're dealing with a bully in the workplace, you're not alone. According to an Associated Press alert, 29 percent of all U. S. managers and employees deal with workplace bullies, and according to a white paper produced by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), one out of six individuals report being bullied at work at some point … [Read more...] about A tale of 2 workplace bullies and why they need to be stopped
A tactical guide to dealing with workplace bullies
Have you ever had a confrontation with an aggressive co-worker where you just got so befuddled that you couldn't find the right words for the moment? Instead, a great comeback occurred to you hours later, probably in the middle of the night, after you replayed the situation over and over in your mind. Don't you wish there was a script you could memorize to help you out in … [Read more...] about A tactical guide to dealing with workplace bullies
How to hire the right employee for your firm
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio According to a Gallup poll, thirty percent or less than one-third of American workers describe themselves as "engaged" in their jobs and committed to their employers. A larger number, 54% percent, describe themselves as "disengaged" at work and not committed to their employers. These employees report feeling trapped in dull jobs and admit that … [Read more...] about How to hire the right employee for your firm
Model Notice: Alcohol consumption at firm’s party
Why you need this notice: Holiday and other office parties often include alcohol, and excessive alcohol consumption poses risks for employees. How this notice helps you: By letting employees know about your concerns for their safety, and providing recommendations for safe behavior, you are acting responsibly. How to use this notice: Modify this notice for your firm. … [Read more...] about Model Notice: Alcohol consumption at firm’s party
How to handle the “bully lawyer” without losing your temper or your job
A growing concern in all types of professional offices is the bully boss. "Bullying is the issue for this decade that sexual harassment was in the 1980s," says Rachel Schaming, a business and leadership coach and certified conflicts mediator in Tucson, AZ. In a law firm, the issue is especially difficult, because the bully may be a senior lawyer. As a result, staff don't want … [Read more...] about How to handle the “bully lawyer” without losing your temper or your job
Cyber security report uncovers why most corporate network breaches occur on Monday morning, and more
CYREN, a cyber security platform, recently announced the release of its latest CYREN Cyber Threat Report that examines trends surrounding malware, phishing, spam and other online threats. Friday malware spike results in busy Mondays for IT security professionals In the report, CYREN research confirms long-held suspicions that criminals are purposely intensifying their … [Read more...] about Cyber security report uncovers why most corporate network breaches occur on Monday morning, and more
“Why are you leaving us?” and other key questions to ask staffers who resign
There's good information to be had from a staffer who's leaving. People who have resigned "don't have a hidden agenda." They tend to be candid and forthcoming, and the manager can get valuable feedback from them, says Marcia W. Wasserman of Comprehensive Management Solutions, Inc., a practice management consulting firm in Northridge, CA. Here are a few rules to follow and a … [Read more...] about “Why are you leaving us?” and other key questions to ask staffers who resign
How to keep the office safe from employment law claims when a staffer gets fired
Terminations are what spark the vast majority of today's employment law claims, says employment defense attorney Shari Lane. That's one area where managers can't afford to make mistakes. Step back before pulling the trigger Safety starts with two obvious precautions, Lane says. First, review the record. Make sure it explains what has led to the decision. If there's not … [Read more...] about How to keep the office safe from employment law claims when a staffer gets fired