By Steve M. Cohen bio Let me preface this blog on nepotism by stating there is clearly a place for family businesses and organizations where related people work together for the good of the family cause and the good of the organization. That said, there are also organizations where familial relationships exist that are not always for the good of the cause. Often, … [Read more...] about Is your coworker like one of the family or is one of the family?
Managing staff
That’s the spirit
Editor's picks: The simple secret to hiring a great receptionist Five personalities to weed out when hiring for staff positions Easy-to-use interview system guarantees a good match between secretary and attorney … [Read more...] about That’s the spirit
Employer Checklist: Affordable Care Act
Why you need this checklist: The numerous provisions and requirements of the ACA can be overwhelming for employers. How this checklist helps you: This checklist will help you understand and manage employee benefits requirements. How to use this checklist: Refer to this checklist as needed to comply with ACA employee benefits requirements. … [Read more...] about Employer Checklist: Affordable Care Act
Handling the complaints
This is one of those practical solutions that come from years of experience dealing with people: It's how to handle one staffer's complaint about another. A manager gets all sorts of complaints, says office administrator Patricia Board. Some are serious "and some are petty." It may be that Staffer A is always visiting instead of working or that Staffer B is doing something … [Read more...] about Handling the complaints
3 proven ways to make firing easier on everyone
1 Do it Friday afternoon While some human resources experts say firing is best done in the middle of the week, most recommend doing it on Friday afternoon. That time is best for the office, because it lessens the possibility that the person will set up a support group in the hours immediately following. It also eliminates the possibility that the person will stay around and … [Read more...] about 3 proven ways to make firing easier on everyone
Model Tool: Three policies to accommodate medical marijuana
Why you need this tool: These three tools allow you to alter your zero tolerance policy to accommodate medical marijuana. How this tool helps you: You can choose the policy that fits your situation. How to use this tool: Choose the appropriate policy and distribute it in your workplace. … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Three policies to accommodate medical marijuana
Which is better: fixing or replacing?
Editor's picks: 10 interview questions that reveal the true personality of every job applicant 6 tips for successfully managing millennials Why your career depends upon building respect from your staff … [Read more...] about Which is better: fixing or replacing?
Employee rules change dramatically with 50 and up
By Steve M. Cohen bio When it comes to sick leave in your office of 50 or more employees, you have to follow the doctor's orders regardless of whether or not you think the reason for the leave is justified. Because most office managers are so singularly focused on their firm, they are appalled to learn of all the limitations placed upon them by government rules and … [Read more...] about Employee rules change dramatically with 50 and up
How the Affordable Care Act affects your office policies and practices
You’ve heard a lot of talk about Obamacare, officially known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But do you know how how ACA affects your office as an employer? The ACA imposes new obligations on employers. Some of these are already in effect and are continuing obligations you should be satisfying, but others don't kick in until next year or later. Review our summary of the key … [Read more...] about How the Affordable Care Act affects your office policies and practices
How to tame two staffers at war: Keep it civil and focus on the business
A conflict between two staffers is serious business. People who don't get along don't share information with each other, don't help each other out, "and at worst try to sabotage one another." Moreover, there's emotional contagion. Just as a spouse coming home in a negative mood fouls the attitude of the rest of the family, two fighting staffers cast a pall over the office. … [Read more...] about How to tame two staffers at war: Keep it civil and focus on the business