The manager of a Mississippi professional office relies on a basic management practice when she presents any new policy. “I make it a win-win situation,” says Beth C. Pharr. “I tell staff ‘this why it’s necessary, and this is how it benefits you.’” Such was the case when she set a policy to solve a problem common to almost every … [Read more...] about Try this “win-win” solution to stop personal Internet use by staff
Managing the office
Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?
Although back-to-school season rolls around every year, it always seems to bring a level of stress for working parents. And is it any wonder? A new schedule and new commitments require finding ways to meet all the demands of daily life. For households with two working parents, it can be extremely difficult; and for single-parent households, even more so. It's easy for employers … [Read more...] about Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?
Colorado practice cuts costs by hiring IT staffer
Manager Arlene Zimmerman had an IT cost awakening when the computer went down. She called in the vendor's tech support and paid $100 to find out the computer was simply unplugged. "I told myself 'never again!'" says Zimmerman, who manages a professional office in Colorado. So she started on a path of building up as much IT support as possible in-house—and getting the training … [Read more...] about Colorado practice cuts costs by hiring IT staffer
How to organize your desk to improve your productivity
Where do you spend 1920 hours of the year? Well, if you work in an office, that's approximately how much time you spend at your desk. But is it time well spent? The Dublin Office Centre has put together this great infographic on a few small changes you can make to your workspace to ensure that those 1920 hours are productive ones. … [Read more...] about How to organize your desk to improve your productivity
Is your coworker like one of the family or is one of the family?
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?
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
How secure is your content in cyber space?
www.Hackmageddon.com has released its timeline of the most notable cyber security breaches that occurred in the first half of October 2014. According to the timeline, in just 15 days, there were 46 attacks, with a wide range of targets and objectives. If you're concerned about how to protect your law practice against costly and destructive cyber attacks, register now for our … [Read more...] about How secure is your content in cyber space?