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
Managing staff
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
Standing desks—Fad or functional?
You might want to stand up for this: "Sitting is the new smoking" says a recent study on the economic impact of reduced physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. Indeed, it's well documented that we are, essentially, sitting far too much, and for far too long. The results of this have been shown to be negatively affecting our health, and waistlines. Unfortunately, studies … [Read more...] about Standing desks—Fad or functional?
Here’s what to do when you suspect a staffer of drug or alcohol abuse
When the firm suspects a staffer of alcohol or drug abuse, an overriding concern is how to address the issue with that employee, says Jeffrey M. Schlossberg, a partner and chair of the employment law group at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek in Uniondale, NY. The wrong words can open the door to a discrimination claim. Don't mention the obvious Whenever there's suspicion of an … [Read more...] about Here’s what to do when you suspect a staffer of drug or alcohol abuse
Three errors that can cause wrongful termination problems
Though every employer knows – or should know – the rules for safe firing, mistakes still happen when it comes to showing an employee the door, says Peter Golden, a business and employment law attorney with The Golden Law Firm in Atlanta. In his own practice, he finds that employers most often fall down on three points: missed documentation, unfair employee comparisons, and … [Read more...] about Three errors that can cause wrongful termination problems
Pouter, wannabe boss, and ain’t-none-of-me and how to change them
Unacceptable behavior is never going to respond positively to negative statements such as “you have a bad attitude” or “you’re lazy.” Turn the conversation instead to what the behavior is, how it is affecting the other staff and the office, and how the manager and other staff see the staffer because of it. Then show alternative behaviors. But … [Read more...] about Pouter, wannabe boss, and ain’t-none-of-me and how to change them
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!
Have you built a law office staff that cares?
By Catherine Jones bio Thanks to everyone who attended our webinar, “How to Build a Law Office Staff that Cares,” with Steve M. Cohen. The webinar recording is now available on the site, along with the presentation materials. One of the poll questions produced some results that I found particularly interesting. Question: What percentage of your current employees would you … [Read more...] about Have you built a law office staff that cares?