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
Workplace Safety
Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
Dealing with moonlighting employees can be a delicate situation for an office manager. Moonlighting refers to employees holding a second job or pursuing other sources of income outside of their primary employment. While moonlighting itself might not be inherently negative, it can potentially impact an employee’s performance and commitment to their primary job. Here’s how an … [Read more...] about Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
How to handle breakroom conflicts
You’ve got a days-old tuna and pesto wrap stinking up the fridge, unwashed cups in the sink, and muffin crumbs on the table. You could fit-test a respirator with the smell of banana peels wafting from the overfull trash can. The 15 minutes you were going to spend reading the latest thriller disappeared when you had to scrub and refill the scorched coffee pot. Experiences … [Read more...] about How to handle breakroom conflicts
Employee safety briefing: Summer high temperatures
Dear Team, As the summer heat intensifies, we want to ensure your well-being and safety both in the office and during your daily activities. High temperatures can pose health risks and affect your performance, so it’s important to take necessary precautions. This safety briefing will provide you with valuable guidelines for staying safe during summer high … [Read more...] about Employee safety briefing: Summer high temperatures
How to pick the right cleaning company for your law office
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 … [Read more...] about How to pick the right cleaning company for your law office
How to create a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community in your law office
As a law office manager, it is your responsibility to foster a workplace environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals. Creating a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community is not only a legal and ethical imperative but also a reflection of your commitment to equality. This article aims to provide you with practical strategies and … [Read more...] about How to create a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community in your law office
Don’t delay if you have to deliver bad news
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 … [Read more...] about Don’t delay if you have to deliver bad news
Whatever you call it, negative workplace behavior is expensive
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 … [Read more...] about Whatever you call it, negative workplace behavior is expensive
Model Policy: Workplace violence and office security
It has become imperative, and in many states a legal requirement, that employers implement programs to prevent violence at the workplace. The centerpiece of the prevention effort is to adopt a written policy on workplace violence. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Workplace violence and office security
Model Policy: Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure
This model policy establishes guidelines and procedures to help you ensure that all employees can work in an environment free from unlawful harassment, discrimination and retaliation. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure