By Lynne Curry My in-box filled with questions after I posted a Recession Fears Loom blog. Readers asked how I made sense of the different views voiced by economists and politicians. As a medical office manager with responsibilities around staffing and profitability, you are probably watching to see which way the economy goes. Here’s the background, and my answer to “are we … [Read more...] about Is it a recession or not? The answer may surprise you
Available for NL
How do we tell our employees we are laying off some of them?
By Lynne Curry As the economy takes a new twist, the talk in many work sectors is turning from staffing shortages to coming layoffs. If this is the case for your medical office, here are some things to think about: Consider alternatives Have you considered all the alternatives your company has to layoffs? Could you reduce hours or salaries for a larger number of employees? … [Read more...] about How do we tell our employees we are laying off some of them?
Win a promotion, lose a friend
By Lynne Curry Question: When I started with my current office, I met and bonded with a coworker. We were hired at the same time and shared similar interests. We ate lunch together two to three times a week and went camping together. Three months ago, I got promoted. I now supervise her and other former coworkers. She and I went out for a celebratory lunch. It was horrible, … [Read more...] about Win a promotion, lose a friend
Don’t forget this crucial first step with your new hires
By Lynne Curry It’s a crucial first step many managers fail to take. Swamped by other work, they greet their new hires, introduce them to the employees they’re replacing, and leave to attend to other pressing duties. On the surface, this makes sense. The departing employee can easily explain the work that needs to be done. Beneath the surface, this approach carries with it … [Read more...] about Don’t forget this crucial first step with your new hires
How job hunting changed: You have leverage you never had before
By Lynne Curry Question: I left a senior position in a large practice when the pandemic and four children at home forced me out of the workforce. At first, my now ex-husband and I thought I’d take a month off, get the kids settled and return to on-site work. But COVID-19 dragged on, and I couldn’t see leaving the kids at home to fend for themselves while I returned to 10-hour … [Read more...] about How job hunting changed: You have leverage you never had before
4 day workweek: Is it in your future?
By Lynne Curry If you’re an employee, you’re immediately interested. If you’re an employer, you’re doubtful—yet you keep hearing about this new strategy that might make a significant difference in your company’s ability to survive and thrive. It’s the four-day workweek, though not the compressed 4/10’s workweek that oil patch and similar companies used. Employers adopting … [Read more...] about 4 day workweek: Is it in your future?
Recession: Get ready for new employer-employee reality
By Lynne Curry The talent war seemed like it would last forever. Employers desperate to fill vacancies but unable to find solid job candidates; applicants receiving multiple job offers; employees expecting more from their employers and using their newfound leverage. Both employees and employers gained as a result. Employers developed compelling value propositions to attract … [Read more...] about Recession: Get ready for new employer-employee reality
Dealing with the runaround when an employee stalls about coming back to work
An employee with a history of documented performance issues claimed they were in a car accident that rendered their vehicle inoperable. The employee began missing work first due to their lack of transportation, then for various medical appointments, though they refused or were unable to provide a proper doctor’s note to justify their prolonged absence. The employer was … [Read more...] about Dealing with the runaround when an employee stalls about coming back to work
Adopt these four best practices for successful staff onboarding
A structured onboarding process can lead to a better start for your employees, resulting in better retention and productivity. That’s the word from Paul Edwards, CEO and founder of Cedr Solutions, a provider of custom employee handbooks, management software and HR support. He suggests these four best practices to add to your process. 1. Begin onboarding before your … [Read more...] about Adopt these four best practices for successful staff onboarding
Gen Z: Avoid crucial mistakes when managing them
By Lynne Curry Question: We’re hiring a group of young office interns this summer for a special project and are trying to figure out the best team member to supervise them. We’re thinking someone as close in age to them as possible. Your thoughts? Answer: You’re hiring Gen Z workers, individuals born after 1995. The oldest Gen Z workers are 27, and while similar to Gen Y … [Read more...] about Gen Z: Avoid crucial mistakes when managing them