One of the toughest parts of your job is addressing underperformance. It’s never fun to have those difficult conversations, but when handled thoughtfully, they can be a real turning point—not just for the employee, but for your whole team. That’s where a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) comes in. Done right, a PIP isn’t a punishment—it’s a tool for clarity, accountability, … [Read more...] about Using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) Effectively with Staff
Managing staff
Stress Awareness Month: A Chance to Foster Openness and Support
April is Stress Awareness Month, an observance that’s been held every year since 1992 and is sponsored by the Stress Management Society. As an office manager, this is a valuable opportunity to shine a light on a topic that affects everyone—especially in fast-paced, high-pressure workplaces. By using this month to acknowledge stress and talk openly about it, you can take … [Read more...] about Stress Awareness Month: A Chance to Foster Openness and Support
How to Celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day
National Administrative Professionals Day, coming up on April 30, is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the hardworking administrative professionals who keep your office running smoothly. As an office manager, this day is an opportunity to show your appreciation for the critical role your administrative staff plays in the success of the organization. Here’s why National … [Read more...] about How to Celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day
How to Handle Chronically Late Staffers Without Losing Your Cool
You’ve probably dealt with it more than once: that one employee who always seems to stroll in 10, 15, or even 30 minutes late. Not just once in a while—but regularly. It throws off team dynamics, irritates coworkers, and sends the message that punctuality is optional. The trick is handling it without creating unnecessary drama—or letting it slide until it becomes a major … [Read more...] about How to Handle Chronically Late Staffers Without Losing Your Cool
Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
April is the perfect time to get ahead of the summer scramble by nailing down everyone’s vacation plans. As an office manager, you know that warm weather brings sunshine, sandals—and a flurry of PTO requests that can leave you short-staffed if you’re not careful. The earlier you start organizing summer schedules, the smoother the season will be for everyone. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
Undermined and Unaware: What Happens When You Don’t Step In
By Lynne Curry Question: On the surface, two of my employees, “Veronica” and “Katie,” are friends. They go to lunch together every day and frequently visit each other’s cubicles. Behind the scenes, Veronica undermines Katie. She regularly comes into my office and tells me she has to help Katie with routine job tasks. She “fills me in” on situations Katie doesn’t handle … [Read more...] about Undermined and Unaware: What Happens When You Don’t Step In
Building Teamwork Through Volunteer Work: Celebrating April Volunteer Month
April is Volunteer Month, a perfect time to reflect on the power of giving back—not only to your community but also to your office culture. As an office manager, organizing volunteer opportunities for your team can be a meaningful way to strengthen relationships, foster a sense of purpose, and improve teamwork. When your staff works together on volunteer projects, it does more … [Read more...] about Building Teamwork Through Volunteer Work: Celebrating April Volunteer Month
Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
By Lynne Curry As employers push forward with their return-to-office (RTO) policies, many unknowingly step into legal minefield. The shift back to in-person work presents a host of challenges—especially for employers balancing productivity with legal obligations. Whether it’s handling accommodation requests, avoiding discrimination claims, or ensuring compliance with … [Read more...] about Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
Managing Staff Burnout in a High-Stress Medical Environment
Medical offices are fast-paced, high-pressure environments where staff are constantly balancing patient care, administrative tasks, and regulatory compliance. Over time, this can lead to burnout—emotional exhaustion, reduced job satisfaction, and even high turnover rates. As a medical office manager, you play a key role in identifying, preventing, and addressing staff burnout. … [Read more...] about Managing Staff Burnout in a High-Stress Medical Environment
Crisis management in a medical office: Preparing for and responding to unexpected events
In a medical office, crisis management isn’t just about handling emergencies—it's about being prepared for and responding effectively to unexpected events that could disrupt your practice and impact patient care. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a data breach, or an unforeseen staffing issue, having a solid crisis management plan is essential for maintaining the safety, … [Read more...] about Crisis management in a medical office: Preparing for and responding to unexpected events