By Steve M. Cohen bio Both managers and employees should remember the old saying about what happens when you assume. And assuming your employees are happy and your job is safe are good examples. Here are four common signs that someone is taking their job for granted and what those actions inadvertently say to others: 1. Tardiness = "It really doesn't matter to me … [Read more...] about Remember what they say about assumptions
Managing staff
Creative approach to employee tardiness results in improved productivity
Broad and Cassel, a Florida-based law firm with nine locations across the state, wanted to address the issue of employee tardiness and explored the possibility of implementing a flexible schedule for support staff. "I took into consideration that my staff is composed of many parents/single parents," says office administrator Lourdes Sanders. "A flexible schedule would give … [Read more...] about Creative approach to employee tardiness results in improved productivity
Tight training budget? Try reading with your staff
By Steve M. Cohen bio Many offices place a low priority on training. It's an understandable situation, but one that rarely leads to positive results. Whether you're dealing with office technology, procedure or specialized skills, training is not something managers should take for granted. Training can also be related to good morale, professional development, and team … [Read more...] about Tight training budget? Try reading with your staff
3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Which would you rather have: an upbeat, engaged staff that contributes to a successful law practice or a staff that grudgingly shows up for work each day and plods through required tasks? Obviously, the first choice is preferable. In reality, however, your staff probably includes at least several employees who fit the latter category. Still, if most employees are happy, you … [Read more...] about 3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Management at a glance
Click to expand Related reading: Seattle office provides financial education for staff 3 bonus formulas that boost staff productivity The surprising answer to what your staff really wants … [Read more...] about Management at a glance
Large firm gives staff a committee voice
Like any law firm, a large firm in Maine has many committees. And until recently it restricted membership to the attorneys. No more. The office started giving membership in just about all of its committees to staff. The move came as a part of strategic planning when the firm was discussing how it could become the employer of choice in the area, says the administrator. The … [Read more...] about Large firm gives staff a committee voice
5 strategies for engaging millennials in the workforce
Temkin Group recently published a new research report, "Engaging Millennials in the Workplace," that identifies five strategies for engaging younger employees. Common estimates predict that the Millennial generation—those born between 1980 and 2000—will make up 60% of the workforce by 2020. As with each previous generation, this group of employees brings its own set of … [Read more...] about 5 strategies for engaging millennials in the workforce
Seattle office provides financial education for staff
"People aren't necessarily financially literate," says Ann S. Callahan, human resources manager for Helsell Fetterman, a 30-staff, 30-attorney firm in Seattle. Personal finance "is not something they learn in school." As an HR person and a long-time administrator of 401k plans, Callahan has seen "a wide range of ways people use their plans and how they don't use them." She … [Read more...] about Seattle office provides financial education for staff
Standing desks—Fad or functional?
You might want to stand up for this: "Sitting is the new smoking" says a recent study on the economic impact of reduced physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. Indeed, it's well documented that we are, essentially, sitting far too much, and for far too long. The results of this have been shown to be negatively affecting our health, and waistlines. Unfortunately, studies … [Read more...] about Standing desks—Fad or functional?
Manage client anger to avoid malpractice claims and bad publicity
Angry clients can be hard on the nerves. They can also be potential malpractice claims and probably bad PR for the law firm. But if you know how to respond to an unhappy client in a respectful and helpful manner, you may be able to turn that person into your firm’s biggest fan. Dealing with the angry client is an art. Dealing with the angry client is also a necessity. An … [Read more...] about Manage client anger to avoid malpractice claims and bad publicity