By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a talented but difficult employee, whose performance has always been spotty but recently went downhill. Lately, “Scott” has dragged himself into the office every morning. He looks exhausted. His eyelids half-close during staff meetings. Because I felt concerned, I asked him if he was okay. He said he was just working too hard. He pointed … [Read more...] about When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
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How to help someone suffering domestic abuse
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), observed in October, is a time to recognize victims and raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence. As the manager of a medical office, you are in a unique position to detect possible abuse of both patients and staff members and to be of help. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any … [Read more...] about How to help someone suffering domestic abuse
Patient resources for Healthy Aging Month
September is Healthy Aging Month. Here are resources from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to encourage your patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Services to recommend: Preventive services Cognitive assessment & care plan services Chronic care management services Behavioral health integration services Information for your patients: Preventive … [Read more...] about Patient resources for Healthy Aging Month
Know the signs and risk factors for physician suicide
This week of Sept. 10 through Sept. 16 is National Suicide Prevention Week, and Sunday, Sep. 17, is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Physicians are at a higher risk of suicide and suicidal ideation than the general population, says the American Medical Association. Suicidal ideation has been associated with high workload volume and medical errors. Although previous … [Read more...] about Know the signs and risk factors for physician suicide
Should I take a ‘dry’ promotion (without a raise)?
By Lynne Curry Question: An email with the subject line “good news” arrived in my inbox from my supervisor this morning. The good news I hoped for flashed across my mind as I imagined him saying he was moving to another state, and I’d be getting a new supervisor. He didn’t like me, and I didn’t like him. Instead, he told me I was being offered a promotion. He didn’t look … [Read more...] about Should I take a ‘dry’ promotion (without a raise)?
Make a good impression with your email closing
How you end a business email can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. The right closing can make your email feel more professional and polished, while a poor closing can detract from the message you're trying to convey. In this article, we'll explore some tips and best practices for concluding your business emails in a way that leaves a positive impression on your … [Read more...] about Make a good impression with your email closing
And you are … ? How to prepare your elevator speech
Do you have an elevator speech prepared? An elevator speech, also known as an elevator pitch, is a concise and well-prepared verbal summary or introduction that you can deliver in the time it takes to ride an elevator, typically around 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The goal of an elevator speech is to effectively communicate who you are, what you do, and what you or your … [Read more...] about And you are … ? How to prepare your elevator speech
Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
Dealing with moonlighting employees can be a delicate situation for an office manager. Moonlighting refers to employees holding a second job or pursuing other sources of income outside of their primary employment. While moonlighting itself might not be inherently negative, it can potentially impact an employee's performance and commitment to their primary job. Here's how an … [Read more...] about Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
How to make your medical office a little greener
In today's world, environmental sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a responsibility that every industry must shoulder, including healthcare. Medical offices play a vital role in the well-being of patients, but they also have a significant impact on the environment. As a medical office manager, you have the power to lead the charge in reducing your office's … [Read more...] about How to make your medical office a little greener
Team building that goes beyond rah-rah to real
By Lynne Curry Question: We have lousy morale at our office. Our senior leaders like to say the problem started during the pandemic, but that’s just a lie they tell themselves. The problem started long before that, when they got so focused on the money they were making and the bonuses they were getting, they forgot employees mattered. Their bubble burst when the pandemic … [Read more...] about Team building that goes beyond rah-rah to real