As the conversation around workplace flexibility continues to evolve, the four-day workweek is gaining attention across various industries, including the legal sector. There have been some developments in the United States regarding the potential shift to a four-day workweek, but no widespread changes to federal employment laws have been enacted … [Read more...] about Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Law Office Administrators
Managing staff
Just promoted to office manager? Follow these 9 critical rules to avoid problems managing former friends and colleagues
Getting promoted to office manager can be a mixed blessing. As a former staffer, the new manager comes into the job knowing the good performers, the bad performers, the shortcuts, the troublemakers—and a few secrets. But the former peers also know their new boss, including strengths, weaknesses, and what buttons to push. Along with that, they are wondering how their … [Read more...] about Just promoted to office manager? Follow these 9 critical rules to avoid problems managing former friends and colleagues
How great managers delegate
When it comes to delegating work to staff, managers rarely hit a happy medium. Instead, they tend to fall at the ends of the spectrum: those who do not delegate enough and those who delegate too much. But by far, it is the under-delegators who are greatest in number. And it is under-delegation that most causes employees to lose interest in their jobs. Lack of delegation … [Read more...] about How great managers delegate
Law Office Staff Meeting Agenda and Minutes Template
Here’s a staff meeting agenda and minutes template tailored for a law office administrator. This template is structured to facilitate focused, productive meetings and to keep all team members informed of updates, priorities, and action items. Meeting Details Date: ___________________________ Time: ___________________________ Location: … [Read more...] about Law Office Staff Meeting Agenda and Minutes Template
How to handle breakroom conflicts
You’ve got a days-old tuna and pesto wrap stinking up the fridge, unwashed cups in the sink, and muffin crumbs on the table. You could fit-test a respirator with the smell of banana peels wafting from the overfull trash can. The 15 minutes you were going to spend reading the latest thriller disappeared when you had to scrub and refill the scorched coffee pot. Experiences … [Read more...] about How to handle breakroom conflicts
Get Ready for Employment Law Updates Coming in 2025
Coming up in 2025, there are several important employment law changes that managers should be aware of: Overtime Pay Threshold Increase: The Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to increase the salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility. Starting in early 2025, employees earning under $58,656 per year (up from $35,568) may become eligible for overtime pay under … [Read more...] about Get Ready for Employment Law Updates Coming in 2025
Prepare for Holiday Staffing by Managing Workloads and Leave Requests
As the holiday season approaches, you’re likely facing one of the trickiest balancing acts of the year—handling time-off requests while keeping the office running smoothly. The end of the year often brings a flood of leave requests as employees want to take time off to spend with family, travel, or simply recharge. At the same time, client demands and deadlines don’t slow down. … [Read more...] about Prepare for Holiday Staffing by Managing Workloads and Leave Requests
HR question: Political gear at work
By Lynne Curry Question: Our problems started in September. Four guys in the warehouse started wearing Camo “Make American Great Again” hats. Two weeks later, they installed in a handmade sign inside the warehouse door that said, “This is Trump Country.” It didn’t bother anyone, or so we thought. But apparently it did. Ten days later, two women in the accounting … [Read more...] about HR question: Political gear at work
Sample Policy: Halloween Costumes
Creating a policy for dressing up for Halloween in a law office is important to ensure that employees maintain professionalism while still having the opportunity to enjoy the holiday. Here's a suggested policy: [Law Office Name] Halloween Dress-Up Policy Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to allow employees to participate in Halloween festivities while maintaining a … [Read more...] about Sample Policy: Halloween Costumes
Should Your Staff Wear Costumes on Halloween?
Chances are someone on your staff is at this very minute planning a wildly inappropriate costume to wear to the office on Halloween. While Halloween can be a festive and enjoyable occasion, the legal profession demands a high level of professionalism and decorum. Here we consider the pros, and cons of permitting Halloween costumes in a law office, along with essential … [Read more...] about Should Your Staff Wear Costumes on Halloween?