The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is waiting and watching for a violation. Age discrimination can creep in quietly and unexpectedly. It can come even from some well-intentioned remark such as, "You're overqualified for this job"—the term "overqualified" being taken as a euphemism for old. Here Alix Rubin, an employment law attorney in West Caldwell, NJ, … [Read more...] about Anybody over age 40?
Managing staff
The best business plan: Fall back and regroup at a firm retreat
Is the firm retreat a dying exercise? During the current economic downturn, many practices eliminated the annual retreat in an effort to save money. But it's when the revenues and business future are most mercurial that a retreat is most needed, says Robert Denney, a Wayne, PA, law firm management consultant. The firm needs to know how to navigate through the financial waters … [Read more...] about The best business plan: Fall back and regroup at a firm retreat
Model Tool: Job description template
Why you need this model tool: Job descriptions are critical management documents. A law office manager should make sure there is a formal, written job description for every position. How this model tool helps you: This template provides the major categories that you should include in your job descriptions along with an explanation of what to include in each category. How to … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Job description template
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
Creative approach to employee tardiness results in improved productivity
Broad and Cassel, a Florida-based law firm with nine locations across the state, wanted to address the issue of employee tardiness and explored the possibility of implementing a flexible schedule for support staff. "I took into consideration that my staff is composed of many parents/single parents," says office administrator Lourdes Sanders. "A flexible schedule would give … [Read more...] about Creative approach to employee tardiness results in improved productivity
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
3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Which would you rather have: an upbeat, engaged staff that contributes to a successful law practice or a staff that grudgingly shows up for work each day and plods through required tasks? Obviously, the first choice is preferable. In reality, however, your staff probably includes at least several employees who fit the latter category. Still, if most employees are happy, you … [Read more...] about 3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Large firm gives staff a committee voice
Like any law firm, a large firm in Maine has many committees. And until recently it restricted membership to the attorneys. No more. The office started giving membership in just about all of its committees to staff. The move came as a part of strategic planning when the firm was discussing how it could become the employer of choice in the area, says the administrator. The … [Read more...] about Large firm gives staff a committee voice
5 strategies for engaging millennials in the workforce
Temkin Group recently published a new research report, "Engaging Millennials in the Workplace," that identifies five strategies for engaging younger employees. Common estimates predict that the Millennial generation—those born between 1980 and 2000—will make up 60% of the workforce by 2020. As with each previous generation, this group of employees brings its own set of … [Read more...] about 5 strategies for engaging millennials in the workforce
Seattle office provides financial education for staff
"People aren't necessarily financially literate," says Ann S. Callahan, human resources manager for Helsell Fetterman, a 30-staff, 30-attorney firm in Seattle. Personal finance "is not something they learn in school." As an HR person and a long-time administrator of 401k plans, Callahan has seen "a wide range of ways people use their plans and how they don't use them." She … [Read more...] about Seattle office provides financial education for staff