Editor's picks: Wellness is a staff benefit and a productivity builder From ready dinners to errand helpers, Georgia firm supports families 3 ways you can boost office morale fast … [Read more...] about How’s your work-life balance?
General
6 ways to save time at the office so you can focus on what’s important
By Catherine Jones bio We're all strapped for time and usually the first activities sacrificed are those which are personally important to us. For example, according to DOMO, 42% of college graduates have never read another book after college 67% of parents say they don't have enough time to spend with their children 60% of employees feel they … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save time at the office so you can focus on what’s important
When are your employees likely to be happiest?
What's the happiest day of the year? Hint: It's coming up! According to data from Gallup, the happiest day in 2013 was Thanksgiving Day: 70% of Americans felt a lot of happiness and enjoyment with little stress or worry that day. It's not surprising that happiness levels typically increase on Fridays and through the weekend and then decrease during the workweek, with many of … [Read more...] about When are your employees likely to be happiest?
In the office, your cooperation is mandatory, not optional
By Steve M. Cohen bio It might sound obvious, but being a key employee, especially a top-level manager, requires above all organizational loyalty. Yet in many businesses, some employees are working at cross proposes with their firm. Let's assume that your organization has an objective, probably something articulated in your mission and vision statement. This … [Read more...] about In the office, your cooperation is mandatory, not optional
An easy way to do those dreaded staff job descriptions
It’s not fair to hire someone without fully explaining the requirements of the job—from the very large to the very small. Neither is it fair to evaluate someone without fully explaining what performance and behaviors the office expects to see—again, from the very large to the very small. Many employers don’t have job descriptions at all, and many more have … [Read more...] about An easy way to do those dreaded staff job descriptions
Avoid the lawsuit lurking in your employee handbook
An employee handbook can be more than a document outlining office procedures and standards. In some cases, the handbook can be seen as an implied contract between the employer and employee. And that implied contract could muddy the waters when it comes to firing an employee. An implied employment contract Most offices operate under employment at will—or think they do. … [Read more...] about Avoid the lawsuit lurking in your employee handbook
A manual that covers the entire administration
A Washington, D.C. administrator has set up an operations manual that covers every imaginable item of managing the firm. It holds the basics of everything so that when she is out, the firm “can be on autopilot and keep the trains running on time,” says Jill D. Hirsch, chief operating officer of Slevin & Hart. And, she says, “it’s for me as well as for someone stepping in … [Read more...] about A manual that covers the entire administration
5 proven ways to spot and avoid hiring potentially “toxic employees” … and what to do if you already have them
Got toxins in the office? Toxins are people who cause dissent. They undermine people. They create an atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion. They kill the camaraderie. They are toxic because they cause enough misery to force worthwhile staffers to leave. Law firms are notorious for putting up with toxic people at both the attorney and staff levels. Professional people are not … [Read more...] about 5 proven ways to spot and avoid hiring potentially “toxic employees” … and what to do if you already have them
Why you should consider automating your client screening process
What's your firm's process for dealing with a potential new client? While large law firms may have sophisticated systems of vetting potential new clients that include detailed conflict of interest searches and approval committees, Edie Zimmerman of Legal Software Solutions, suggests your consider automating your screening process. "Some practice management databases allow the … [Read more...] about Why you should consider automating your client screening process
How to survive the coming competition
By Ron Friedmann bio Many in the legal market talk about a "New Normal" where margin pressure is the norm. Is this true, and does it matter? Yes, and here's why. Clients Want Value. Although BigLaw continues to prosper, it faces new competition. Clients want value and they now have market power, so they buy from alternatives to large firms. Clients Bring Work … [Read more...] about How to survive the coming competition