When Americans need to make personal connections, they are increasingly doing so via the Internet. A 2014 study by the Pew Research Center finds that 74 percent of adults who go online use a social networking site, whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or something else. "It's clear that nearly everyone makes an effort to connect some way through social media," says … [Read more...] about Networking online is crucial, but it needs to be done right
Hiring
Jobs in healthcare plentiful, according to report
The healthcare job industry showed steady growth last year, with no signs of slowing down in 2015, according to the 2014 Healthcare Jobs Snapshot, a report from Health eCareers, a career hub for healthcare professionals, providers, and associations. As of January, federal officials reported almost 10 million people had signed up for health insurance or re-enrolled in their … [Read more...] about Jobs in healthcare plentiful, according to report
5 HR issues to review and keep on your radar
A medical office manager has a wide range of responsibilities, which can make it difficult to keep every potential staff-related issue top of mind. Nevertheless, there are five HR issues about which you should remain vigilant. 1 Discrimination Here are various types of discrimination, as identified and defined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Note: … [Read more...] about 5 HR issues to review and keep on your radar
The 8 best management tips from our readers
Managing the people with their problems and personalities is the most formidable part of a medical office manager's job. So here for our readers is a long list of ways to make the job easier. They come from the many consultants and managers MOM has talked with over the years. 1 Hiring the right people Interview tactics Before hiring a job applicant, look carefully at two … [Read more...] about The 8 best management tips from our readers
Avoid these 5 deadly employment law traps
When someone is fired and can't get hired elsewhere, a claim against the former employer is an attractive way to generate more than a little income. Here are five danger spots where managers need to exercise special care. 1 Give me a reference and I won't sue Don't give a bad-news departing staffer a good reference in exchange for an agreement not to sue. The nightmare … [Read more...] about Avoid these 5 deadly employment law traps
Model Tool: Candidate rejection letter, job application
Why you need this model tool: After you've made a hiring decision, you have an obligation to get back to the people who applied for the position but did not get the job. How this model tool helps you: It can be difficult to know what to say to an applicant who was not hired. How to use this model tool: This model tool is a letter that can be customized for your practice … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Candidate rejection letter, job application
Model Tool: Notification to applicants of pre-employment screening
Why you need model tool: If your firm is going to ask for passwords and check social media accounts of job applicants, you need a formal notification to explain your intentions. How this model tool helps you: This is a prepared notification for job applicants. How to use this model tool: Fill in the blanks, make any other alterations and provide this notification to … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Notification to applicants of pre-employment screening
Model Policy: Medical marijuana
Why you need this policy: Now that medical marijuana is legal in many states, it’s important that you adjust your zero tolerance drug policy to address, if not accommodate, it. How this policy helps you: This model policy provides the appropriate language to use for your state. How to use this policy: Modify your existing workplace drug policy to include medical marijuana … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Medical marijuana
How to protect your practice against costly pregnancy discrimination claims
"I'm having a baby!" When an employee utters those words, it's time for congratulations. It's also time for caution. The danger is pregnancy discrimination, and it happens often because employees are well attuned to their rights. The protection comes from the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. It applies to offices with 15 … [Read more...] about How to protect your practice against costly pregnancy discrimination claims
Discrimination against the obese in the medical workplace
By Steve M. Cohen bio In the news recently was a discussion about a hospital that established a policy that it would not hire anyone who applied for a job whose Body Mass Index was greater than 30. While that sounds simple, it hides a whole range of issues. As most medical professionals know, a BMI score above 30 means you are considered obese. Although I'm all for … [Read more...] about Discrimination against the obese in the medical workplace