By R. Scott Oswald bio When we think of "mental health" problems, many of us envision obvious symptoms. But mental health presents challenges precisely because it can be almost impossible to observe. This can become a problem in the workplace when an employee experiences intense anxiety or panic due to the stress of the position, and management simply expects these … [Read more...] about Mental illness in the workplace and protections for employees
Termination
Anybody over age 40?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is waiting and watching for a violation. Age discrimination can creep in quietly and unexpectedly. It can come even from some well-intentioned remark such as, "You're overqualified for this job"—the term "overqualified" being taken as a euphemism for old. Here Alix Rubin, an employment law attorney in West Caldwell, NJ, … [Read more...] about Anybody over age 40?
Remember what they say about assumptions
By Steve M. Cohen bio Both managers and employees should remember the old saying about what happens when you assume. And assuming your employees are happy and your job is safe are good examples. Here are four common signs that someone is taking their job for granted and what those actions inadvertently say to others: 1. Tardiness = "It really doesn't matter to me … [Read more...] about Remember what they say about assumptions
Tight training budget? Try reading with your staff
By Steve M. Cohen bio Many offices place a low priority on training. It's an understandable situation, but one that rarely leads to positive results. Whether you're dealing with office technology, procedure or specialized skills, training is not something managers should take for granted. Training can also be related to good morale, professional development, and team … [Read more...] about Tight training budget? Try reading with your staff
Here’s what to do when you suspect a staffer of drug or alcohol abuse
When the firm suspects a staffer of alcohol or drug abuse, an overriding concern is how to address the issue with that employee, says Jeffrey M. Schlossberg, a partner and chair of the employment law group at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek in Uniondale, NY. The wrong words can open the door to a discrimination claim. Don't mention the obvious Whenever there's suspicion of an … [Read more...] about Here’s what to do when you suspect a staffer of drug or alcohol abuse
Three errors that can cause wrongful termination problems
Though every employer knows – or should know – the rules for safe firing, mistakes still happen when it comes to showing an employee the door, says Peter Golden, a business and employment law attorney with The Golden Law Firm in Atlanta. In his own practice, he finds that employers most often fall down on three points: missed documentation, unfair employee comparisons, and … [Read more...] about Three errors that can cause wrongful termination problems
How can I rein in a runaway staff?
Question: The previous manager let staff get away with everything. I’m the new manager. How do I change the staff behavior? Answer: Take the bull by the horns. Hold a staff meeting and spell out the new expectations. Call them rules or call them pet peeves, but make it clear that everybody is expected to follow them. Cover all the items the previous manager let slide so staff … [Read more...] about How can I rein in a runaway staff?
Take these 4 steps to make sure you hire the right temporary attorney
In an uncertain economy, temporary attorneys are a good business option. They give the firm an additional attorney without having to worry if there will be enough business to support that person in the future. They come in with the experience necessary for the job. If they don’t perform up to par, the agency will replace them. And if they do perform well, the firm ends up with … [Read more...] about Take these 4 steps to make sure you hire the right temporary attorney
Do you follow these 7 rules when you fire an employee?
If it's employment at will—and for most employers it is—the office can fire whomever it wants, whenever it wants, and without any reason at all. But it's not quite that easy. With any termination, emotions take over. Besides the crushed ego, there is the cold hard fact that the office is essentially taking away a person's livelihood. And all of a sudden people start … [Read more...] about Do you follow these 7 rules when you fire an employee?
The dangers of the disengaged staffer
By Steve M. Cohen bio Are some of your employees actually working against you? When it comes to the bigger picture of your job, your office or your business, the important question is simple: are you engaged? Is your staff engaged? Whether you are an owner, manager or beginning worker, the answers matters. A national management firm, the Gallagher Organization, has published … [Read more...] about The dangers of the disengaged staffer