Many employees like their bosses, but managers still have much work to do, according to new research from staffing firm Accountemps. Nearly two in three workers (64 percent) said they are happy with their supervisors, and another 29 percent are somewhat happy with their bosses. Only eight percent of workers give their manager a thumbs down. Yet, despite generally positive … [Read more...] about Survey: Most workers happy with managers but don’t want the role themselves
Your career
Decoding workplace personality conflicts
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio No one told you when you accepted a law office manager job that your primary role would be that of peacemaker. You thought you'd be overseeing systems and finances; that the major hiccups you'd have to resolve would be ones involving computers and upset clients. Not even close. Instead, you put out people fires daily. The players … [Read more...] about Decoding workplace personality conflicts
Job interviews: How to ask personal questions without committing discrimination
The job interview process is a breeding ground for discrimination complaints. One common mistake: asking job applicants inappropriate questions about their nationality, marital status, religion, disabilities and other characteristics that discrimination laws ban you from considering when making hiring decisions. Applicants on the receiving end of such questions are apt to … [Read more...] about Job interviews: How to ask personal questions without committing discrimination
Are the expressions you use dating you?
Certain expressions immediately make people think of another era. Among these are the cat's pajamas, the apple of my eye, hold your horses, and a feather in your cap. Perhaps your parents or grandparents peppered their conversations with these expressions; if so, these sayings, while outdated, might make you smile. However, it's unlikely you'd tell an employee that an … [Read more...] about Are the expressions you use dating you?
4 easy strategies for remembering names and passwords
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio Which problem fits you? Your practice has grown and you don't remember the names of all the employees and you realize this hurts some employees' feelings; Several of the sites you regularly access ask you to change passwords monthly and you have a hard time remembering the newer passwords; Several long-time … [Read more...] about 4 easy strategies for remembering names and passwords
How to disagree with your friends about politics and keep them too
In past elections, our front yards, T-shirts, car bumpers and water cooler conversations proudly campaigned for the presidential candidate of our choice. In 2016, most were afraid to utter the name of the person they planned to vote for on November 8. Research by Joseph Grenny and David Maxfield, cofounders of VitalSmarts and the authors of the business bestseller Crucial … [Read more...] about How to disagree with your friends about politics and keep them too
How to make a mistake, survive the fallout, and keep your job
A mistake happens. It's serious. And it's your fault. Is it survivable? The best of managers make some of the worst mistakes, says Donna Flagg of the Krysalis Group, a New York management, marketing, sales, and training consulting firm. Flagg is also author of "Surviving Dreaded Conversations," a book on how to talk through unpleasant situations at work. Your job depends on … [Read more...] about How to make a mistake, survive the fallout, and keep your job
Why the new Massachusetts law matters, regardless of where your firm is located
Massachusetts recently signed into law An Act to Establish Pay Equity, S.2119, which takes effect on July 1, 2018. The new law prevents wage discrimination based on gender. The law includes several noteworthy changes related to the employment process, but perhaps the most significant is that it prohibits employers from requiring applicants to provide their salary history … [Read more...] about Why the new Massachusetts law matters, regardless of where your firm is located
Like a Boss: Rise of the Work Martyr
By Michelle Spencer bio I learned a couple of disturbing new terms recently: "work martyr" and "vacation shaming." Like many of you, I have known for some time that many Americans no longer use all of their allotted days off from work, and I have certainly worked with work martyrs in my career. I could deal with that. However, the idea of vacation shaming is … [Read more...] about Like a Boss: Rise of the Work Martyr
Avoid these tricky ADA pitfalls when hiring staff
Every manager is aware of the wider doorways, lever handles, curb cuts and so on required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). And every manager is aware of providing accommodations for employees. But not every manager is aware of the less obvious ADA requirements that apply to electronic job applications, says Beth Loy, PhD, principal consultant with the Job … [Read more...] about Avoid these tricky ADA pitfalls when hiring staff