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
Managing staff
Caitlyn Jenner raises awareness, questions about transgender people
Olympic gold medalist and reality television personality Bruce Jenner has become Caitlyn Jenner. Jenner's transition has been well documented by the media, culminating in a photo of Caitlyn on the cover of Vanity Fair. Although her journey has been more public than most, Jenner's story is not unique. It is estimated that 700,000 people in the United States are transgender, … [Read more...] about Caitlyn Jenner raises awareness, questions about transgender people
What’s the most common breach of etiquette in your office?
The rules you were taught in elementary school—pay attention, don't be late, and if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all—also hold true in the workplace, a new survey from Accountemps confirms. But managers view etiquette problems differently than employees do. The most common civility culprit cited by chief financial officers (CFOs) is being distracted during … [Read more...] about What’s the most common breach of etiquette in your office?
Two-thirds of managers missing opportunity to develop and engage employees
North American employees report that two-thirds of managers fail to actively engage in their career development, according to a poll by Right Management, an organization that helps companies' align their talent strategies with their business strategies and helps individuals develop their careers. As talent shortages persist and employee retention becomes increasingly … [Read more...] about Two-thirds of managers missing opportunity to develop and engage employees
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
Trending HR issues your employee handbook should cover
According to a survey conducted by XpertHR, emerging HR issues are starting to appear in employee handbooks—but very slowly. It's hard to keep up "Employee handbooks continue to be a perennial challenge and opportunity for employers," says Peggy Carter-Ward, head of content for XpertHR, a provider of online compliance tools and guidance for HR professionals. "The … [Read more...] about Trending HR issues your employee handbook should cover
Wellness is a staff benefit and a productivity builder
A Miami firm has set up a wellness program that carries benefits for the attorneys and staff as well as for the firm itself. The firm began the program simply because promoting healthy living "is the right thing to do" in the working world, says Mario M. Rumasuglia, director of administration at Berger Singerman, which has 70 attorneys and 170 staff. And it's a win for both … [Read more...] about Wellness is a staff benefit and a productivity builder
Model Guide: Behavioral interview questions
Why you need this guide: When interviewing job candidates, it's essential to ascertain whether they have the knowledge and skills required for the position. How this guide helps you: This guide provides open-ended questions to ask candidates—allowing for answers that will provide the insight you seek. How to use this guide: Organized alphabetically by topic area, this guide … [Read more...] about Model Guide: Behavioral interview questions
Dealing with workplace accusations? It’s time to investigate
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
What to cover in the office handbook and how to say it safely
While most firms have employee handbooks, few realize the responsibilities and even dangers a handbook creates. A handbook ensures that both firm and employees understand the full picture of the employment, says Beth De Lima, SPHR-CA, of HRM Consulting, a human resource management consulting company in San Diego, CA. It outlines what the firm expects from employees in terms … [Read more...] about What to cover in the office handbook and how to say it safely