By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a talented but difficult employee, whose performance has always been spotty but recently went downhill. Lately, “Scott” has dragged himself into the office every morning. He looks exhausted. His eyelids half-close during staff meetings. Because I felt concerned, I asked him if he was okay. He said he was just working too hard. He … [Read more...] about When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
Productivity
The summer is over and it’s time to get back to law firm business
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Summer is quickly coming to an end. While it is still hot in many places, the return after Labor Day for all intents and purposes signals the end of the summer—and summer vacations. Hopefully your firm has made good use of the "summer downtime" that exists when court dockets slow down as judges, court personnel, and the rest of the profession … [Read more...] about The summer is over and it’s time to get back to law firm business
Getting your head back in the game after vacation
As a dedicated law office administrator, taking time off for vacation is essential for personal well-being and professional growth. However, stepping back into your role after a break can be daunting due to the unique responsibilities and intricacies of the position. To ensure a seamless reintegration and effective prioritization of tasks, here are specific and tailored tips … [Read more...] about Getting your head back in the game after vacation
Should you do a digital detox? Here’s how
In today's fast-paced digital world, it is easy to find ourselves constantly connected to technology. As the manager of a law office, you are well aware of the demands and pressures that come with the job. However, it's essential to recognize the advantages of taking an occasional "tech detox" – a deliberate break from technology – to recharge, rejuvenate, and enhance overall … [Read more...] about Should you do a digital detox? Here’s how
Cultivate these 7 habits for success
As an office manager, you are responsible for the efficient operation of your workplace. Your role requires you to balance multiple tasks, manage diverse teams, and keep things organized. To become a highly effective office manager, you can take inspiration from Stephen Covey’s timeless book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Here are some tips based on Covey’s … [Read more...] about Cultivate these 7 habits for success
Try the Pomodoro technique to focus on big projects
As a busy office administrator, you are constantly juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities. It can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you are not making progress on anything. When you need to focus on a large project such as monthly financials, reviewing job applications, implementing new software or other jobs that take time and concentration, try closing your … [Read more...] about Try the Pomodoro technique to focus on big projects
Get to work on time if you expect others to be punctual
As an office manager, your job requires you to be punctual and reliable. You are the person your team looks up to for guidance and direction, and being on time sets the right example. If you find yourself constantly running late for work, it can impact not only your productivity but also that of your entire team. So, here are a few tips to help you get to work on time. Plan … [Read more...] about Get to work on time if you expect others to be punctual
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