Those who work in the legal industry generally communicate professionally, clearly, and correctly. But no one's perfect. How many of these errors have made their way into your written communications? 1. Lie v. lay. These get misused so much that when someone finally does get them right, it's noticeable. Lie = lie down to sleep. Lay = lay something down. People lie down and lie … [Read more...] about Don’t kill your professional prose with these 10 errors
Managing staff
Complaint lines offer managers more than gripes
By Steve M. Cohen bio A client told me recently that that they eliminated their 800 number complaint line. When I asked why, they said, "All we got were complaints!" I disagreed. Whether they are from employees or clients, complaints are invaluable because the feedback provides an opportunity for examination. The protocol might be slightly different for a law … [Read more...] about Complaint lines offer managers more than gripes
What are your chances of finding a new job?
If you're not on social media, you could be missing out on a new employment opportunity. Indeed, avoiding a professional online presence may be hurting your chances of finding a new job. More than one-third of employers (35 percent) say they are less likely to interview job candidates if they are unable to find information about that person online, according to an annual … [Read more...] about What are your chances of finding a new job?
Compliance and protection top employers’ list of concerns in background screening trends survey
Employers say the single most important employment screening-related challenge they face in 2015 is compliance with ever-changing laws, and the primary reason they conduct background checks is to protect their clients and customers. These are just two of dozens of findings in a recently released report, "Employment Screening 2015: Background Screening Trends & Practices," … [Read more...] about Compliance and protection top employers’ list of concerns in background screening trends survey
To increase productivity, reduce dependencies on your star performers and create a one-company culture
A new study by CEB, a best practice insight and technology company, has identified the next big driver of corporate productivity: creating a "one-company" culture that requires employees to become "enterprise contributors." The employee performance paradox study included of a workforce survey of over 10,000 managers and employees from various industries and regions, a survey … [Read more...] about To increase productivity, reduce dependencies on your star performers and create a one-company culture
When a transgender employee comes out at work, how will you respond?
By Steve M. Cohen bio I have worked closely with two organizations: The Transgender Institute (TTI) and the Gender Policy Associates (GPA). TTI is an organization that provides therapy, consultation and coaching to transgender people. This is a population that is much misunderstood. In schools they are subject to extensive bullying; at work, they are often … [Read more...] about When a transgender employee comes out at work, how will you respond?
Model Policy: Jewelry and tattoos
Why you need this policy: This model jewelry and tattoos policy establishes guidelines for staff wearing jewelry or displaying tattoos. How this policy helps you: This policy recognizes the value of personal self-expression and establishes parameters for when personal appearance enhanced by jewelry or tattoos exceeds appropriate and reasonable workplace limits. How to use … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Jewelry and tattoos
Tattoos and piercings: what’s your policy?
If ink and body jewelry seem more prevalent than they once were, it's not your imagination. Tattoos and piercings have become commonplace, especially among people of a certain age. Consider these numbers from Statistics Brain, a website that aggregates research data. Taking into account all age groups, 23 percent of American women and 19 percent of American men have one or … [Read more...] about Tattoos and piercings: what’s your policy?
The link between employee communications and your firm’s reputation
As a whole, American workers rate their employers' reputations favorably, with over two-thirds of employed Americans rating their employer's reputation as good (67%). One-quarter feel their company has a neutral reputation (25%) and just 2% see their employers as having a bad reputation. More good news for U.S. employers comes in the form of seven in ten (69%) working … [Read more...] about The link between employee communications and your firm’s reputation
Help staff protect their families against dangers of fireworks
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration—and beautiful fireworks displays! Share these tips with your staff to help them keep their families safe while they celebrate this special weekend. As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, ophthalmologists—medical doctors who treat eye disease and conditions—are preparing for an influx of patients who are injured each year while … [Read more...] about Help staff protect their families against dangers of fireworks