Sitting down with pen and paper and freely jotting down ideas may not sound like the best path toward creating a well-crafted employee handbook, but it's a great place to start. That free-flowing process, called mind-mapping, unleashes the creative part of your brain and is far more effective than writing a content outline for your handbook, according to writing coach and … [Read more...] about Mind-map your way toward creating a great employee handbook
Managing staff
3 bonus formulas that boost staff productivity
What bonuses should the office give, and how can it design the bonuses to increase productivity? As to the amount to give, a few consultants recommend setting aside as much as 17 per cent to 21 per cent of the monthly profits for staff bonuses. Most, however, recommend less. Whatever amount the office opts to allow, here are some ways to mete it out. Formula 1 The traditional … [Read more...] about 3 bonus formulas that boost staff productivity
Louisiana firm sets up four sure-pay systems
A Louisiana firm has added a handful of measures to its billing and collections work that, while simple, have generated significant benefit. There's a procedure to ensure the client contact information stays accurate, a soft-touch collections process, electronic client billing and paying, and a billing schedule that ensures a steady cash flow throughout the month. As a … [Read more...] about Louisiana firm sets up four sure-pay systems
5 simple (and inexpensive) ways to bring a breath of fresh air into your law office
By Nicole Groshek bio Providing employees with a change in scenery helps keep them inspired and productive. According to a recent survey, majority of office workers wish their office would consider an upgrade; younger adults especially care more about a workplace look and feel. As law offices work to attract and retain younger talent, it's important to find ways to … [Read more...] about 5 simple (and inexpensive) ways to bring a breath of fresh air into your law office
To see better profits, look harder at where money starts and ends
Profit doesn't happen without a prod. Particularly in a tight financial environment, a firm has to know where its money is coming in and going out. It also "has to be nimble and on top of what's going on," because the supply, the demand, and the acceptable price of legal work is constantly changing, says Bob Henderson, of RJH Consulting, a business consulting group for small … [Read more...] about To see better profits, look harder at where money starts and ends
How to investigate an employment-related complaint from a staffer
Got a complaint from an employee? Investigate it. If that complaint turns into a legal claim, part of the allegation of wrongdoing may well be that the office "didn't take it seriously and failed to investigate," says employment law attorney Ingrid Culp of Fredrikson & Byron in Minneapolis. The law doesn't require that an employer investigate a claim, she says. But it is … [Read more...] about How to investigate an employment-related complaint from a staffer
“What’s it really like around here?”
By Lynne Curry bio You feel it the moment you enter the organization. Ask the employees "What's it like around here?" and they confirm the vibe. An employee in one organization says, "I love working here. Everyone helps each other out." At another you're told, "You've got to watch your back; it's cutthroat here. And you can't trust the managers." Every organization … [Read more...] about “What’s it really like around here?”
Wish you’d never said that? Here’s how to save the day and perhaps your job
When you're working in a high-stress environment, it's not uncommon for tempers to flare and words said that shouldn't be. It's unfortunate and, often, unprofessional. And it needs to be corrected as soon as possible. If you've directed an outburst at the boss or made a hurtful remark to your staff, damage control is in order. Mostly, that means an apology—either for what … [Read more...] about Wish you’d never said that? Here’s how to save the day and perhaps your job
3 onboarding mistakes that put retention at risk
By Dina Eisenberg bio This is a tight market for legal professionals. The demand for paralegals is expected to rise 8% by 2022. If you've found the paralegal, legal assistant, or other legal professional that you want to add to your team, it makes perfect sense to create a remarkable, meaningful onboarding experience so you can retain your great find. Today's legal … [Read more...] about 3 onboarding mistakes that put retention at risk
Some FMLA questions on using vacation time and counting to 50
Here are three questions on the Family and Medical Leave Act. They are answered by Morganville, NJ, management consultant John McNamara. Briefly, the FMLA requires that employers with 50 or more employees allow up to 12 weeks' unpaid, jobprotected leave for medical and family reasons. FMLA time on top of vacation time A staffer returns from a two-week vacation and asks … [Read more...] about Some FMLA questions on using vacation time and counting to 50