For the small problems inherent in any office's staff, one manager has two easy solutions: humor and once-a-day positive notes. The humor comes in the form of silly contests to solve equally silly—though very human—problems. "They're nonsensical, but they reduce tension," says the Georgia office manager. One, for example, was an ongoing complaint that nobody replaced the … [Read more...] about Tackle silly problems with silly solutions and boost morale
Employee benefits
Emotional retention: New strategies to retain top talent
By Brenda Barnes bio Great businesses are built with great people. In today's competitive employment market, it's hard enough to recruit those great people, but the real challenge is getting them to stay. Traditional retention strategies haven't worked so it's time to take a fresh look at how to keep the best people you have. Benefits vs. retention We often confuse … [Read more...] about Emotional retention: New strategies to retain top talent
I started sending my team a weekly inspirational email and something extraordinary happened
By Robert Glazer bio A few years ago I began the habit of getting up earlier and writing in my journal, taking the time to be reflective, appreciative, and grateful. I went over my goals each morning and my values. I devoted time to reading stories and quotations that inspired me. Finding, reading, and journaling about these pieces of inspiration soon became an … [Read more...] about I started sending my team a weekly inspirational email and something extraordinary happened
Firms spend average of $12,000 to recruit and train each entry-level lawyer
Newly minted associates may see employers extend more job offers, research indicates. Nearly one-quarter (22 percent) of lawyers recently interviewed by Robert Half Legal said their law firm plans to increase its hiring of first-year associates in the next 12 months, while 67 percent indicated no change in hiring activity and 7 percent plan a decrease. Not only are law firms … [Read more...] about Firms spend average of $12,000 to recruit and train each entry-level lawyer
Higher wages, better health benefits, or larger tax refunds? Survey looks at 2017 payroll trends
Every year, the American Payroll Association (APA) conducts an annual survey for National Payroll Week, with the goal of helping American employee better understand their paychecks. According to the APA, this knowledge can help employees make smarter decisions with how they're paid. "Maximizing your paycheck is immensely important," said Dan Maddux, executive director of the … [Read more...] about Higher wages, better health benefits, or larger tax refunds? Survey looks at 2017 payroll trends
How your firm’s telecommuting policies affect your recruiting strategy
If you're rethinking your firm's telecommuting policies, hold on. There is a trend among some larger companies of bringing remote workers back into corporate offices, but candidates still expect work from home options, says new data from the MRINetwork 2017 Recruiter Sentiment Study. And while your intent may be to increase collaboration, creativity, mentoring, and innovation, … [Read more...] about How your firm’s telecommuting policies affect your recruiting strategy
What to do when an opioid crisis hits your law firm
By Lynne Curry bio The first time you saw "Bill" appear to nod off during a staff meeting, you pulled him aside after the meeting. When you asked if he was okay, he said he was. You gave him the benefit of the doubt because he'd worked for you for three years and been a good employee. You knew he'd recently gone through a divorce and thought maybe he'd had a hard … [Read more...] about What to do when an opioid crisis hits your law firm
Like a Boss: Traits and behaviors
By Michelle Spencer bio As I was reviewing articles for the Like a Boss series, a few themes kept appearing as key areas of focus for bosses: Communication, Performance Management, and Relationships. If you are looking for ideas for leadership training, any of these would be a good place to start. First and foremost, people want open, honest, and … [Read more...] about Like a Boss: Traits and behaviors
Three months’ notice: A quarter of your workforce may change jobs by summer’s end
While employee retention is not necessarily a new concern for employers, the race to keep top workers in-house has escalated significantly in just the past year alone. In fact, new findings from the 2017 Emerging Workforce® Study (EWS) commissioned by Spherion Staffing indicate that employees are more willing than ever to test their options, to the degree that companies may … [Read more...] about Three months’ notice: A quarter of your workforce may change jobs by summer’s end
NJ firm finds an easy way to reduce last-minute sick calls
Experience is often a manager's best education. Such is the case for the long-time manager of a practice in New Jersey, who has found that the best way to prevent the last minute sick calls is to allow staff to carry their sick days over to the next year. But instead of transferring as sick days, the time becomes personal days to use however they want. As in any office the … [Read more...] about NJ firm finds an easy way to reduce last-minute sick calls