SITUATION Your practice is located a state where recreational and medical marijuana use is legal. But still you're shocked to find three of your employees smoking pot at work. The employees recognize that they've been caught red-handed but each offers up a different explanation: Bud reveals that he's addicted to marijuana; Herb explains that he uses medical … [Read more...] about Compliance quiz: Which employees can you discipline for smoking pot at work?
Workplace Safety
How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster
How disaster-prepared is the business side of your office? Although large organizations often have good disaster preparedness programs, small to mid-sized offices usually don't. And sadly, because they usually have only one location, they are the ones who suffer most when business is interrupted. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for a disaster and get your … [Read more...] about How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster
Points to make in your law firm parking policy
With convenience, safety and even prestige at stake, the law office parking lot can be the topic—and scene—of disputes. One way to keep things relatively civil is to establish a parking space policy. Here are some key points to cover in a policy. Space Allocation: Determine how parking spaces will be allocated within the firm's premises. Consider factors such as the total … [Read more...] about Points to make in your law firm parking policy
EEOC proposes updated workplace harassment guidance to protect worker
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has proposed new guidance on harassment in the workplace. Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace was published in the federal register Oct. 2, and public comment period is closing Nov. 1. The EEOC first released a proposed guidance on workplace harassment for public comment in 2017, but it was not … [Read more...] about EEOC proposes updated workplace harassment guidance to protect worker
When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a talented but difficult employee, whose performance has always been spotty but recently went downhill. Lately, “Scott” has dragged himself into the office every morning. He looks exhausted. His eyelids half-close during staff meetings. Because I felt concerned, I asked him if he was okay. He said he was just working too hard. He … [Read more...] about When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
15 projects for the last quarter of the year
Running out of things to do? Just kidding. But in case you are, here are some projects to consider for the last quarter of the year. Financial Review and Budgeting: a. Review the year-to-date financial statements to assess the firm's financial health. b. Prepare a budget for the upcoming year, considering revenue, expenses, and capital investments. c. Ensure all client … [Read more...] about 15 projects for the last quarter of the year
Before, during and after a flood: Is your law office prepared?
Flood preparedness is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your flood preparedness plan to ensure it remains effective and aligned with any changes in your law office's operations and environment. Here is a checklist to help your office prepare for and recover from a flood. Pre-Flood Preparedness Risk Assessment: Identify flood-prone areas near the law office … [Read more...] about Before, during and after a flood: Is your law office prepared?
Employee safety briefing: Summer high temperatures
Dear Team, As the summer heat intensifies, we want to ensure your well-being and safety both in the office and during your daily activities. High temperatures can pose health risks and affect your performance, so it’s important to take necessary precautions. This safety briefing will provide you with valuable guidelines for staying safe during summer high … [Read more...] about Employee safety briefing: Summer high temperatures
How to pick the right cleaning company for your law office
Maintaining a clean and well-organized environment is crucial for any law office. As a law office manager, one of your responsibilities is to ensure that the office space is clean, presentable, and conducive to productivity. Hiring a professional office cleaning company can provide the expertise and efficiency needed to maintain a pristine workspace. Here are eight factors to … [Read more...] about How to pick the right cleaning company for your law office
Create an effective disaster plan for your law office
Fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, power outages, or civil unrest: These and other disasters could endanger you and your employees as well as the continuation of your law office. As a law office manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that your office is well-prepared to handle various types of disasters, ranging from natural calamities to technological disruptions. … [Read more...] about Create an effective disaster plan for your law office