The key to success as a manager is being up-front with employees. Yet that is what managers are most reluctant to do. They don't want to sit down with a staff member and say, "You are messing up on this, and I cannot allow it to continue." That reluctance is a normal human trait. People don't like confrontation. In fact, one human resources consultant says most of her clients … [Read more...] about Use straight talk to solve 4 common people problems in your firm
Employee benefits
5 simple tips to help your employees get more from their healthcare benefits
By David C. Fortosis bio Health insurance and the U.S. healthcare system have become increasingly complex and confusing. Despite promises for a better consumer and patient experience from insurance companies and niche vendors, that dream is still elusive. Dr. Sachin Jain, Harvard MD and CEO of CareMore Health recently said, "The U.S. healthcare system is never so … [Read more...] about 5 simple tips to help your employees get more from their healthcare benefits
6 ways to optimize your recruitment efforts
Law firms are feeling the effects of today's talent shortage. More than three in 10 lawyers (31 percent) recently surveyed by Robert Half Legal said recruiting highly skilled legal professionals is the greatest practice management challenge facing their firm. Caseload or workflow management ranked second, with 19 percent of the survey response. These concerns come at a time … [Read more...] about 6 ways to optimize your recruitment efforts
Easy ways to make your law office healthier
Too often, law offices not only fail to promote staff health and well-being, they might actually detract from it. Why does it matter? A healthy workplace encourages staff engagement and productivity, which has a direct impact on the profitability of the practice. To evaluate your workplace, and make necessary improvements, take a close look at the following. Office … [Read more...] about Easy ways to make your law office healthier
What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your law firm?
Professionals have been talking about the customer experience and the candidate experience for years, so it was bound to happen. Another term is now being batted around in human resource and management circles: the employee experience. Before you dismiss it as another buzz term or, worse, a fad, consider the implications of ignoring this crucial aspect of managing your law … [Read more...] about What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your law firm?
To-Dos: Your February office checklist
February might be a short month, but there's a lot packed into it. Here are 7 areas you can tackle this month to help improve profits, protect the firm, and boost morale. 1. Review each department's revenues. By now the profit and loss statement for 2022 is in. Review the gross revenues of the firm and the revenues for each department if the firm practices in more than … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your February office checklist
TO-DOs: Your November office checklist
There's a lot happening this month—everything from Thanksgiving to budget preparations. Here are a few things you should address this month. Make your reservations. If you are planning a holiday party and haven't yet booked a venue, don't wait any longer. Certain restaurants get booked up quickly, especially if your firm wants to do a holiday luncheon instead of a dinner. … [Read more...] about TO-DOs: Your November office checklist
Are you leveraging your staff’s enthusiasm?
Many articles have been written about motivating staff. In fact, Law Office Manager has published many of these, which are usually how-to articles aimed at increasing productivity. These pieces often share tried-and-true ways to engage employees more fully. Sometimes rewards and recognition are the hooks for motivation and greater engagement. These techniques work, and can … [Read more...] about Are you leveraging your staff’s enthusiasm?
Never-ending training
No manager can set expectations without giving staff the tools to achieve them, says a California administrator. And the main tool is training that never ends. At her office, Patricia Board starts the training on the first day a staffer comes in. She gives the newcomer a check-off list of both job and office basics and spends several hours going over each item. "Those are … [Read more...] about Never-ending training
Five reasons why staff hate their jobs and look for greener pastures
Turnover should be at the top of every manager's worry list. Employers don't realize how expensive it is, says Jennifer Loftus, national director of Astron Solutions, a human resource and compensation consulting firm in New York City. "They think it's just a matter of being behind the eight ball for a couple of weeks." But it's far more. Even on the conservative side, the … [Read more...] about Five reasons why staff hate their jobs and look for greener pastures