By Steve M. Cohen bio In dealing with your office staff, allegations of wrongdoing are never something you can ignore. Whether the charge involves sexual or racial harassment, bullying or something else, they must never be ignored. Never. Remember, an allegation by itself is neither fact nor fiction. It is simply a statement made by someone within your … [Read more...] about Dealing with workplace accusations? It’s time to investigate
Insight
Mental illness in the workplace and protections for employees
By R. Scott Oswald bio When we think of "mental health" problems, many of us envision obvious symptoms. But mental health presents challenges precisely because it can be almost impossible to observe. This can become a problem in the workplace when an employee experiences intense anxiety or panic due to the stress of the position, and management simply expects these … [Read more...] about Mental illness in the workplace and protections for employees
FLSA continues to be a potential pitfall for many organizations
By Steve M. Cohen bio In the rush of managing an office, it's easy to overlook significant pitfalls that can cause major problems. One of these pitfalls is the Fair Labor Standards Act, an area that managers and partners often overlook until they face a problem. I strongly suggest using caution to avoid problems and penalties. Until a few years ago, the law's … [Read more...] about FLSA continues to be a potential pitfall for many organizations
Remember what they say about assumptions
By Steve M. Cohen bio Both managers and employees should remember the old saying about what happens when you assume. And assuming your employees are happy and your job is safe are good examples. Here are four common signs that someone is taking their job for granted and what those actions inadvertently say to others: 1. Tardiness = "It really doesn't matter to me … [Read more...] about Remember what they say about assumptions
Tight training budget? Try reading with your staff
By Steve M. Cohen bio Many offices place a low priority on training. It's an understandable situation, but one that rarely leads to positive results. Whether you're dealing with office technology, procedure or specialized skills, training is not something managers should take for granted. Training can also be related to good morale, professional development, and team … [Read more...] about Tight training budget? Try reading with your staff
Here’s why the 2015 LMA Annual Conference is set to break attendance records
By Betsi Roach bio More than thirteen hundred legal marketing and business development professionals will be convening in San Diego next month for the 2015 LMA (Legal Marketing Association) Annual Conference. Celebrating 30 years, LMA's flagship event brings together marketers from all specialties and experience levels representing law firm of all sizes, from AmLaw 50 to … [Read more...] about Here’s why the 2015 LMA Annual Conference is set to break attendance records
Fines, lawsuits and personnel crises, oh my!
By Steve M. Cohen bio Sometimes people don't understand my concern for "mess management." They may see my warnings about personnel issues, potential lawsuits and government regulation as exaggeration. 6 heavy fines Let's take just a single area as an example. In one recent week, the U.S. Department of Labor laid heavy fines on a wide range of companies across the … [Read more...] about Fines, lawsuits and personnel crises, oh my!
Five proven strategies to achieve your goals
By Dr. Marty Martin bio For many, celebrating the New Year means making resolutions. Many people resolve to lose weight, exercise more, save more, read more, or a host of other goals. As January fades away, so do our actions regarding our commitments or resolutions. But when the winter chill begins to thaw, many individuals will start making the same or … [Read more...] about Five proven strategies to achieve your goals
State and federal monitoring can make a manager’s life complicated
By Steve M. Cohen bio Managers can be excused for pulling out their hair over government regulations, but some are more likely to impact your office than others. Every state has a human rights commission that is tasked with investigating charges made by employees against their employers in issues of fairness. The federal government has its own human rights … [Read more...] about State and federal monitoring can make a manager’s life complicated
How to help stressed-out employees
By Steve M. Cohen bio Stress is actually a good thing—until it overloads people. This overloaded situation is actually called "dis-stress." The ability to accommodate stress is inherent in all of us, but how much stress we can manage is a personal matter. Anxiety, resulting from stress overload is not a good thing in anyone's life. What every office manager must … [Read more...] about How to help stressed-out employees