By Steve M. Cohen bio Despite some debate and even legal questions on method, I consistently recommend that my clients conduct background checks on all employees they intend to hire. Some of my clients are required by state or federal statutes to conduct background checks. This is especially widespread when employees will provide services to frail or vulnerable … [Read more...] about Conducting background checks: Better safe than sorry
Insight
When employees behave stupidly outside of work
By Steve M. Cohen bio I often end up addressing some of the sadder aspects of human behavior in and around the workplace. I have frequently been called by clients to help deal with issues such as sexual harassment and bullying, an employee who uses the n-word at work and someone who gets so drunk after work that they become incredibly obnoxious in public. In all of … [Read more...] about When employees behave stupidly outside of work
Here’s a low-cost fix for office issues: Talk to your staff!
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sometimes amused by the constant flow of management tips, tricks and cure-alls that parade through media aimed at managers. Most of these ideas are not bad and some are even excellent. But I'm frequently moved to suggest that the first thing most managers should try is simply talking and listening to their staff. I realize that's not … [Read more...] about Here’s a low-cost fix for office issues: Talk to your staff!
Don’t let another firm steal your staff
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen The old saying that “the grass is always greener” is actually a fairly accurate description of one aspect of human nature. And this trait almost certainly applies to members of your office. As other organizations grow and the need for professional staff increases, openings will be filled by stealing the best from offices. It’s frustrating, but it’s … [Read more...] about Don’t let another firm steal your staff
Being mean doesn’t make an office efficient
By Steve M. Cohen bio I recently saw some good management advice in The New York Times, of all places! The newspaper published a great article describing how there is "No Time to Be Nice at Work." I found this to be good reading for any manager. Author Christine Porath noted several significant concerns that are relevant today, including her findings that … [Read more...] about Being mean doesn’t make an office efficient
When a transgender employee comes out at work, how will you respond?
By Steve M. Cohen bio I have worked closely with two organizations: The Transgender Institute (TTI) and the Gender Policy Associates (GPA). TTI is an organization that provides therapy, consultation and coaching to transgender people. This is a population that is much misunderstood. In schools they are subject to extensive bullying; at work, they are often … [Read more...] about When a transgender employee comes out at work, how will you respond?
Double standards never work at work
By Steve M. Cohen bio An excessively harsh and arbitrary management style is rarely a good idea, but when it's directed at one employee or even one group of employees it's guaranteed to be a problem. I dealt with one manager who frequently resorted to a style that was harsh, arbitrary and capricious behavior when dealing with one employee. The worker was … [Read more...] about Double standards never work at work
Wearables at work: Leveraging technology to enhance work performance, engagement and balance
By Dr. Marty Martin bio Wearable technology is hot! Wearable tech is also increasingly becoming cool and fashionable. Professional athletes and weekend warriors are outfitting themselves with devices to measure their heart rate, blood pressure, count their steps and calories, as well as track the quality of their sleep. With the health and performance of their … [Read more...] about Wearables at work: Leveraging technology to enhance work performance, engagement and balance
Bullying, by any name, can be expensive
By Steve M. Cohen bio Whether you call it harassment, bullying, or something else, negative workplace behavior can be expensive for any organization. Although the legal field is highly professional, it's also staffed with human beings who sometimes use bad judgment, have questionable intentions, or are even just misunderstood. Unhappy employees today are … [Read more...] about Bullying, by any name, can be expensive
Explaining due process and the DOL—a three-tiered safety net
By Steve M. Cohen bio As a law firm member, you're no doubt familiar with due process. You should also remember that it is involved deeply with employee relations, including issues up to and including termination. As in baseball, your office can also involve a three-strike situation. What's important for you to know is that ultimately the umpire is the … [Read more...] about Explaining due process and the DOL—a three-tiered safety net