The vast majority of Americans—95%—now owns a cellphone of some kind, and the percentage of Americans with smartphones has risen to 77%. Navigating the waters of security in the wake of this expansive usage of mobile devices presents serious challenges for families and businesses alike. In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Illinois Bankers Association, … [Read more...] about A dozen cybersecurity tips for mobile device users
Managing staff
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
Five personalities to weed out when hiring for staff positions
Just as important as being able to do the work and being willing to do the work is having a personality that fits the job. Five traits can spell disaster in law firm staffing. Those five traits can cause severe friction within the staff. They can stymie the work. And they can undermine the administrator. Here's a definition of each plus the detection questions to ask and the … [Read more...] about Five personalities to weed out when hiring for staff positions
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
Why your career depends upon building respect from your staff
Whether you are a new administrator or an old one, don't expect to keep the job for long without the respect of staff. Respect is not something that comes with a job title or a business card. It has to be earned. And for the most part, that means treating the employees as well as or better than the clients are treated. With me, not for me Leadership starts with respect, and … [Read more...] about Why your career depends upon building respect from your staff
Is a false sense of confidence among your employees exposing your practice to costly phishing emails?
Intermedia, a cloud business applications provider, has released Part 1 of its 2017 Data Vulnerability Report, which examines the security behavioral habits of more than 1,000 office workers in the United States. Your employees are unknowingly granting hackers access Despite organizations educating employees about cyber threats and security best practices, office workers … [Read more...] about Is a false sense of confidence among your employees exposing your practice to costly phishing emails?
Should you ‘Friend’ your co-workers on social media?
Do you "like" the idea of office friendships crossing over into social media? More than seven in 10 professionals (71 percent) polled by staffing firm OfficeTeam said it's appropriate to connect with colleagues on Facebook. Slightly fewer feel it's OK to follow co-workers on Twitter (61 percent), Instagram (56 percent) and Snapchat (44 percent). In contrast, less than half of … [Read more...] about Should you ‘Friend’ your co-workers on social media?
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
When co-workers can’t get along
Julie A. Aarup, office administrator at the Michigan firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, had a problem that many office managers face: contrary co-workers. But rather than trying to mediate, Aarup treated the dueling duo to lunch—with a condition. Problem solved. Twice during my nearly 21 years at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, I had a problem with two coworkers … [Read more...] about When co-workers can’t get along