Why you need this model tool: After you interview candidates for an open position and choose the one you wish to hire, you have an obligation to get back to the people who spent time interviewing but did not get the job. How this model tool helps you: It can be difficult to know what to say to a candidate who was not hired. How to use this model tool: This model tool is a … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Candidate rejection letter, job interview
Managing staff
Model Tool: Checklist of steps to take when conducting an investigation
Why you need this checklist: When an employee makes a complaint, whether it's an accusation of sexual harassment, bullying or an alleged workplace safety hazard, you have an obligation to conduct a thorough and timely investigation. In many circumstances, the filing of a complaint sets in motion several legal and regulatory requirements for a business. How this checklist helps … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Checklist of steps to take when conducting an investigation
Work-Life Imbalance
Click to expand Related reading: Seattle office provides financial education for staff From ready dinners to errand helpers, Georgia firm supports families Are you violating state "time off" requirements for employees who are parents? … [Read more...] about Work-Life Imbalance
Mental illness in the workplace and protections for employees
By R. Scott Oswald bio When we think of "mental health" problems, many of us envision obvious symptoms. But mental health presents challenges precisely because it can be almost impossible to observe. This can become a problem in the workplace when an employee experiences intense anxiety or panic due to the stress of the position, and management simply expects these … [Read more...] about Mental illness in the workplace and protections for employees
Are you ruining your employees’ family dinners?
It's no secret that technology plays a major role in today's modern world. But what happens when technology starts blurring the line between work and non-work hours? The results of a recent survey commissioned by Workfront and conducted online by Harris Poll with more than 600 full-time employees working a typical 9-5 schedule, found that 56% of workers feel that technology … [Read more...] about Are you ruining your employees’ family dinners?
Active listening puts fast stop to staffer’s anger
Hidden in every manager's job description is the dreaded duty of handling complaints from staffers—sometimes angry staffers. Surprisingly, the job can be simple. It's just a matter of knowing what to say and how to say it. Stopping anger in its tracks Managers' most common responses to conflict are the two worst responses. One is the response of being confrontational, … [Read more...] about Active listening puts fast stop to staffer’s anger
FLSA continues to be a potential pitfall for many organizations
By Steve M. Cohen bio In the rush of managing an office, it's easy to overlook significant pitfalls that can cause major problems. One of these pitfalls is the Fair Labor Standards Act, an area that managers and partners often overlook until they face a problem. I strongly suggest using caution to avoid problems and penalties. Until a few years ago, the law's … [Read more...] about FLSA continues to be a potential pitfall for many organizations
Anybody over age 40?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is waiting and watching for a violation. Age discrimination can creep in quietly and unexpectedly. It can come even from some well-intentioned remark such as, "You're overqualified for this job"—the term "overqualified" being taken as a euphemism for old. Here Alix Rubin, an employment law attorney in West Caldwell, NJ, … [Read more...] about Anybody over age 40?
The best business plan: Fall back and regroup at a firm retreat
Is the firm retreat a dying exercise? During the current economic downturn, many practices eliminated the annual retreat in an effort to save money. But it's when the revenues and business future are most mercurial that a retreat is most needed, says Robert Denney, a Wayne, PA, law firm management consultant. The firm needs to know how to navigate through the financial waters … [Read more...] about The best business plan: Fall back and regroup at a firm retreat
Model Tool: Job description template
Why you need this model tool: Job descriptions are critical management documents. A law office manager should make sure there is a formal, written job description for every position. How this model tool helps you: This template provides the major categories that you should include in your job descriptions along with an explanation of what to include in each category. How to … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Job description template