"Blue Monday" is an annual phenomenon that was the subject of a viral Facebook post seen by millions of people. Observed on the third Monday in January, it's supposedly the most depressing day of the year. Crisis Text Line, the free, nationwide, 24/7 text message service for people in crisis, looked to its data to debunk "Blue Monday" once and for all. The day's origins … [Read more...] about The truth behind the “Blue Monday” myth
Your career
Are your employees resolving to leave you in 2017?
A new year means new beginnings, new opportunities, new resolutions, and for some workers, a new job. According to a new CareerBuilder survey, more than one in five workers (22 percent) are planning to change jobs in 2017, similar to last year (21 percent). Among younger workers, the numbers are even higher. More than a third of workers ages 18 to 34 (35 percent) expect to … [Read more...] about Are your employees resolving to leave you in 2017?
22 questions a manager should ask before firing an employee
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio The final revenge of the fired employee: The manager makes an unwitting but critical mistake that unravels the firing decision or results in a painful payout to the employee. If you'd like to fire an employee without backfire, you need to consider good faith and just cause, then ask yourself twenty-two questions. Good faith … [Read more...] about 22 questions a manager should ask before firing an employee
8 work-saving email tips for busy office managers
Communicating via email saves time. Yes or no? If you're feeling overwhelmed by your inbox, your answer is likely to be no. The sheer volume makes it difficult to manage email which, despite the proliferation of other technologies such as social media and text messaging, continues to invade your electronic workspace daily. Today's office worker sends or receives an … [Read more...] about 8 work-saving email tips for busy office managers
7 tips to stay classy at the practice holiday party
'Tis the season to socialize with attorneys and other legal professionals from your practice, as well as coworkers and staff. Here's how to have fun while keeping it professional. 1 Prepare for the party It doesn't matter whether your employer is holding this year's holiday party at the office or offsite. Nor does it matter if it takes place at lunchtime or after hours. It's … [Read more...] about 7 tips to stay classy at the practice holiday party
Survey: Most workers happy with managers but don’t want the role themselves
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
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