Professionals typically spend more waking hours with their coworkers than anyone else, so friendships are bound to blossom. But does having confidants help or hinder efficiency at work? In a recent survey from staffing firm Accountemps, 62 percent of employees said having coworkers that are friends outside of the office positively affects productivity. But only 39 percent of … [Read more...] about Could making friends at work be your next best career move?
Working with lawyers
3 gift ideas employees will actually value
By Sue Hawkes bio The holiday season is often a time of both joy and stress for business owners and executives. They are excited to spend time with friends and family and to celebrate the season, of course, but pending year-end deadlines and annual strategic planning can add pressure to the end of the year. When it comes to employee gifting, the most well-intentioned ideas … [Read more...] about 3 gift ideas employees will actually value
Life of the ‘office’ party: Managers’ most embarrassing holiday party gaffes revealed
Falling into a pool, sleeping under a table, fighting with the boss and screaming like a werewolf – scenes from a rough weekend or a corporate event? Unfortunately, for those involved, it's the latter. A recent Robert Half survey of executives found these were just a few of managers' worst moments at holiday parties. Participants were asked about the most embarrassing thing … [Read more...] about Life of the ‘office’ party: Managers’ most embarrassing holiday party gaffes revealed
The 10 assumptions NOT to make when doing your OSHA 300s
December is here and it's time for the logs. No, not the yule logs—the OSHA 300 logs! It's time to get the year's injury and illness records in order and start getting the OSHA 300A ready for the Feb. 1 filing deadline. As you set about your task, here are 10 OSHA 300 assumptions you want to avoid at all costs. Bad assumption #1: We should record everything just to be … [Read more...] about The 10 assumptions NOT to make when doing your OSHA 300s
Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
By Lynne Curry bio "J.J." is a hard-working, talented manager who makes caustic statements when he stresses out. Although he initially offended you when you first started supervising him, you learned not to take his comments to heart. When others come to you upset, you tell them, "That's just J.J. being J.J." Some coworkers even appreciate J.J.'s bluntness. Several … [Read more...] about Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
TO-DOs: Your December office checklist
Congratulations on making it through 2022! We hope it was a successful and satisfying year for you and your firm and that you take some time this month to celebrate your accomplishments. Of course, the work never stops, so here are some reminders for this month. Start thinking about the firm's taxes. Are there any bills you can pay this year to offset any unexpected income … [Read more...] about TO-DOs: Your December office checklist
How to avoid taking on second-hand stress
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio I've been working with the legal profession for nearly 40 years and I can assure you it is one of the most stressful work environments ever. The legal profession as a career choice is stressful because of stringent deadlines, including statutes of limitations, which if you miss one of those you have just sunk your own battleship. Other stressful … [Read more...] about How to avoid taking on second-hand stress
Worried about a data breach? Here’s why you should be
Your greatest asset, your employees, can represent your greatest threat—a data breach— according to computer security experts John Simek and Michael Maschke. "If you are worried about a data breach, you should be," says Simek, who is vice-president of Sensei Enterprises Inc., a Fairfax, VA-based digital forensics, IT and cybersecurity company. "If somebody really wants to get … [Read more...] about Worried about a data breach? Here’s why you should be
How a mentor program can improve your associate retention rates
It is the money that gets the first-year associates in the door. But it is the work that keeps them there. Many associates are gone by the third year, and most of them go because the work assignments don't live up to their expectations. To retain the associates it has spent so much money recruiting, the firm needs a mentoring program that stays with each attorney on every … [Read more...] about How a mentor program can improve your associate retention rates
Time to Give
By Brenda Barnes bio People by and large are generous. And it is this time of year that giving increases dramatically. The charitable impulse goes up by 31 percent each December, and if you own a business or run an organization, research indicates that 63 percent of your employees or members will be giving. Why not consider projects to engage your employees and … [Read more...] about Time to Give