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Home » Workplace Safety
PURCHASING AND LEASING

How to pick the right cleaning company for your law office

May 30, 2023 by

Maintaining a clean and well-organized environment is crucial for any law office. As a law office manager, one of your responsibilities is to ensure that the office space is clean, presentable, and conducive to productivity. Hiring a professional office cleaning company can provide the expertise and efficiency needed to maintain a pristine workspace. Here are eight factors to consider when selecting an office cleaning company for your law office, ensuring a clean and professional atmosphere for your staff and clients. Determine your cleaning needs Before embarking on your search for an office cleaning company, it is essential to assess your specific cleaning needs. Consider factors such as the size of your office space, the type of surfaces that require cleaning, any specialized cleaning requirements (e.g., delicate legal equipment), and the… . . . read more

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MANAGING STAFF

Don’t delay if you have to deliver bad news

May 17, 2023 by

By Lynne Curry “It’s not the difficult conversations that bite you the hardest,” I told the manager. “It’s the ones you put off until too late.” I listened to the manager’s reasons and told him, “Here are the risks you take. You dread telling ‘Robert’ what and how he needs to improve because he lashes out at you and remains sullen for days after you’ve counseled him. You finally draft a written reprimand, but before you deliver it, Robert voices a safety concern in front of others. Now your reprimand seems seem retaliatory—and Robert’s an employee who feels justified in reporting his grievance to a regulatory agency.” “You’ve told me ‘Caitlin’ spends more time talking with coworkers than working. She makes lots of errors. You keep hoping she’ll improve, but… . . . read more

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HARASSMENT

Whatever you call it, negative workplace behavior is expensive

March 21, 2023 by

By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Whether you call it harassment, bullying or something else, negative workplace behavior can be expensive for any business. Unhappy employees today are also more likely to seek legal recourse against their employers, a fact that even legal office managers should keep in mind. Although the legal field is highly professional, it’s also staffed with human beings who sometimes use bad judgment, have questionable intentions or are even just misunderstand. Combine that with the expanding exposure many organizations face from regulations, legislation or lawsuits, and it’s not an issue I recommend my clients overlook. In every business setting, bullying and harassment directed at employees by employers has been a courtroom staple for years. Bullying directed at employees by other employees, often ignored as office drama by… . . . read more

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WORKPLACE SAFETY

Model Policy: Workplace violence and office security

March 16, 2023 by

Why you need this policy:

Acts of violence perpetrated in the workplace have become a major societal problem. In many places, homicide has become the leading cause of workplace fatality! In addition to tragedy, failure to safeguard your workforce from the risks of violence—whether from co-workers, clients, or outside third parties—can expose your law office to significant liability under negligence and other laws.

. . . download here

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MANAGING STAFF

Model Policy: Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure

March 16, 2023 by

Why you need this model policy:

Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices, including harassment.

. . . download here

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CORPORATE CULTURE

Must love dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles…

March 4, 2023 by

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 understand the problems we might get into before moving forward. What precautions do we need to take? Answer: Letting employees bring their pets to work has enormous benefits. It boosts morale; provides opportunities for employees to connect with each other over their pets and helps employers recruit for and retain employees. Start by sending a quick one-question follow-up email asking employees to let you know if they… . . . read more

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MANAGING THE OFFICE

Tame those office temperature tantrums!

March 2, 2023 by

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 for temperature and different comfort levels. For nearly 100 years, recommended temperatures for offices have been based on the body size and fat-to-muscle ratios (and typical clothing) of men, who tend to prefer temperatures around 72 degrees. Women feel colder than men at the same air temperature and prefer settings around 77 degrees. Besides being uncomfortable, the the wrong temperature can reduce productivity, as chilly workers fidget to get warm and overheated workers get move sluggishly…. . . . read more

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MANAGING THE OFFICE

Are you considering a pet-friendly office?

January 10, 2023 by

The working world is accustomed to seeing everyone’s pets on video meetings. And some physical offices also allow pets on the premises. Pets in the office workplace can be a controversial topic, as they may be seen as either a positive or negative influence on productivity and the work environment. Here are a few points to consider when it comes to pets in the office: Benefits of pets in the office: Increased morale: Pets in the office can help to improve morale and create a more positive and enjoyable work environment. Research has shown that interacting with pets can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Improved productivity: Some studies have suggested that pets in the office can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. For example, having a… . . . read more

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WORKPLACE SAFETY

7 tips for a safe winter commute

January 5, 2023 by

In the best of winters, driving to and from the office can be challenging. This winter continues to be downright dreadful in many parts of the country. Snow, ice, and cold weather can all create hazardous conditions on the road, and it is important to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Here are tips for winter driving safety for you and your staff. Plan ahead: Before you set out on your commute, be sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions. If there is a storm or bad weather expected, consider leaving early or finding an alternative mode of transportation. Prepare your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is in good working order before embarking on a winter commute. Check your brakes, tires, and fluid… . . . read more

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WORKPLACE SAFETY

10 tips for winter safety in your office parking lot

December 25, 2022 by

As extreme winter conditions continue in many parts of the country, remember to have your office parking lot maintained for the safety of your employees and clients. Here are some tips for promoting safety in your office parking lot this winter and being better prepared for future winters: Clear the parking lot of snow and ice regularly to improve traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls. This may involve hiring a contractor or having staff members take turns clearing the lot. Mark slippery areas with caution signs or cones to warn drivers and pedestrians of potential hazards. Install snow fences or berms around the perimeter of the parking lot to help prevent snow drifts from blocking entrances and exits. Stock up on supplies such as sand, salt, and… . . . read more

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