Performance reviews: You don’t like to do them, employees dread them and they may not be all that effective in improving work behavior. Here are five alternatives to an annual performance review. Regular feedback sessions: Instead of a once-a-year review, schedule regular feedback sessions throughout the year to discuss performance and provide feedback. These sessions could … [Read more...] about 6 ways to dodge the dreaded performance review
Productivity
Must love dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles…
By Lynne Curry Question: When we surveyed our employees last month, we asked them what we could do to make them happier about returning to our company’s worksite. Many of their answers surprised us. The biggest surprise—many employees want to bring their pets to work with them. We’ve discussed this among the management team and have decided to allow pets but want to … [Read more...] about Must love dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles…
Tame those office temperature tantrums!
Disputes over office temperature are relatively common among office staff. According to a study conducted by the International Facility Management Association, more than 50% of office workers report being unhappy with the temperature in their workplace. This dissatisfaction can lead to heated disputes or chilly relations among office staff, as people have different preferences … [Read more...] about Tame those office temperature tantrums!
Declutter your phone to declutter your mind
As a busy law office manager, you probably use your smartphone for both personal and professional purposes. However, over time, your device may become cluttered with too many apps, files, and notifications. This can make it difficult to find what you need quickly, and may even affect your productivity. Fortunately, decluttering your smartphone is a simple task that can be done … [Read more...] about Declutter your phone to declutter your mind
Partnering: Reset your relationship with your employees
By Lynne Curry You want your employees to work harder. They seem to expect a medal for what they’re already doing. You want your employees to feel happy about returning to the office. They don’t. They’d prefer to work remote. You handed out raises and expected your employees to thank you. Your employees reminded you their wages, even with the raises, haven’t kept pace with … [Read more...] about Partnering: Reset your relationship with your employees
An inexpensive organizational fix: communication
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen I’ve found that most organizations can benefit significantly from a simple, low-cost change in their operations: more two-way communication. For busy law office managers, time can be among their most valuable commodities so I don’t make this recommendation lightly. But even a few minutes each day to foster better communication with your staff can pay … [Read more...] about An inexpensive organizational fix: communication
7 tips for leading a video meeting
We've become accustomed to attending work meetings on Zoom and other video conferencing platforms since the pandemic lockdown of 2020. But you might not be at ease as the leader of a Zoom meeting for your law office admin team. Here are some tips for conducting a successful video work meeting: Set a clear agenda: Before the meeting, create an agenda that outlines the topics … [Read more...] about 7 tips for leading a video meeting
9 time-saving tips for busy law office administrators
Law office administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a law firm, which can be a complex and time-consuming task. In order to be effective, it is important for law office administrators to find ways to save time and streamline their work processes. Here are some tips and strategies for doing just that: Automate as much as possible: Technology has … [Read more...] about 9 time-saving tips for busy law office administrators
Praise is nice but a year-end bonus is better
A year-end bonus can be a powerful tool for reminding your staff their hard work and commitment and the company’s overall growth and success are closely intertwined. And according to a survey of employers, 50% of companies plan to award year-end bonuses in 2022. While this is down from 63% last year, it’s a sign that staff retention remains top of mind for many … [Read more...] about Praise is nice but a year-end bonus is better
Tick those unpleasant tasks off your to-do list
Avoiding something unpleasant is the main reason people procrastinate. Try one of these four approaches when you face an unpleasant task: Do it. There’s an adrenaline rush from knowing you’ve completed an unpleasant task. Finishing something you’ve been putting off will energize you for the rest of the day. Don’t do it yet. If you’re not sure what to do, putting off an … [Read more...] about Tick those unpleasant tasks off your to-do list