Are your employees having trouble "keeping calm and carrying on" at work? If so, they're in the majority. More than half (52 percent) of workers said they are stressed at work on a day-to-day basis, and 60 percent reported work-related pressure has increased in the last five years, according to a new survey by staffing firm Accountemps. Their concerns are not lost on … [Read more...] about The heat is on: Six in 10 employees report increased work stress
Your career
16 quick ideas to make you a better manager
1. Reduce the interruptions. During busy times, move the chair around so the back is to the door. People hesitate to interrupt when they can't make immediate eye contact with the administrator. Stand up when people come on and stay standing. As long as the administrator is standing, the visitor won't start up a long conversation. Put a few books in the visitor's chair so … [Read more...] about 16 quick ideas to make you a better manager
Watch out for resume fraud
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio The new business manager you hired—the one with the terrific resume and reference? It turns out she never worked for the employers named on the resume or knew the supervisors listed as references—despite the glowing recommendations they wrote for her. Instead, she paid for a legitimate-appearing, completely phony resume and … [Read more...] about Watch out for resume fraud
The skill your employees think you’re lacking and how you can do better
Strong communication skills are necessary at every career stage, but especially for those in leadership positions. In a new study from Robert Half Management Resources, however, nearly one in three workers (30 percent) did not give their boss high marks in this area, reporting communication and diplomacy are where their managers most need improvement. Greater technical … [Read more...] about The skill your employees think you’re lacking and how you can do better
What do clients really want?
By Brenda A. Barnes bio When you ask clients what they want from law firms, you quickly receive a long list. Expertise Support Practical advice Good relationship Track record Client focus Trust Business outcomes Honesty Quality brand … [Read more...] about What do clients really want?
How do you practice business integrity?
By Brenda A. Barnes People often define integrity as doing the right thing even when no one else is around. It is the ability to act with honesty and be consistent in whatever it is you are doing based on the particular moral value or belief compass you have. Browse through the mission statements of most businesses and you will notice that almost every company includes a … [Read more...] about How do you practice business integrity?
11 grammar rules to carry into the new year
Here are 11 essentials of grammar to master this year. They are some of the most often missed points. 1. Plurals don't get apostrophes. Gather up all the Christmas cards and see how many are from the Hartness' or the Sheridan's or the Joneses'. It's the Hartnesses, the Sheridans, and the Joneses. 2. Comprised. Don't put of after it. Comprise means to include. Most plays … [Read more...] about 11 grammar rules to carry into the new year
The truth behind the “Blue Monday” myth
"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
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