By Lynne Curry Question: I’m a small business owner and trust my employees. The majority are great. In the past two years, I’ve actively sought ways to reward them for hard work and keep them motivated. When our amazing summer began in May, I shortened our work week to four days for as long as summer lasted, giving every employee a guilt-free Friday off. I manage based … [Read more...] about HR scenario: How do I handle ‘quiet vacationing’?
Managing staff
How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
By Lynne Curry If you’re locked in a work relationship with a manipulative boss or coworkers who learn you’re an easy mark, they’ll manipulate you until you recognize their games and find ways to outsmart them. Here’s what you need to understand and do to stop manipulators in their tracks. Start by understanding who and what manipulators are. Next, realize how you’re … [Read more...] about How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
Employee morale and your practice’s productivity: 5 easy ways to boost both
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Employees' attitudes have changed over the years. Good, loyal employees want more than a paycheck and health benefits. Studies have shown that compensation does not even rate in the top 5 of what makes an employee happy with their job. I believe happy employees are productive employees and anyone who believes otherwise is overlooking the … [Read more...] about Employee morale and your practice’s productivity: 5 easy ways to boost both
How to recognize and deal with burnout
Here are some tips for medical office managers on why they might suffer burnout, how to recognize it, and what they can do to prevent and deal with it. Understand the causes of burnout: Burnout is a form of chronic stress that results from prolonged exposure to job demands that exceed a person's resources. For medical office managers, burnout can stem from factors such as … [Read more...] about How to recognize and deal with burnout
6 ways to dodge the dreaded performance review
Performance reviews: You don't like to do them, employees dread them and they may not be all that effective in improving work behavior. Here are five alternatives to an annual performance review. Regular feedback sessions: Instead of a once-a-year review, schedule regular feedback sessions throughout the year to discuss performance and provide feedback. These sessions … [Read more...] about 6 ways to dodge the dreaded performance review
The temp is gunning for my job
By Lynne Curry Question: I love my job as a midsize medical clinic’s administrative manager. That’s why my husband and I agreed I’d take only a short six-week maternity leave, and he’d take the full two months his employer offered. When I told the managing physician, he thanked me profusely for my commitment. I diligently searched for the best temporary replacement, … [Read more...] about The temp is gunning for my job
Four fixes for job burnout
By Lynne Curry Are you burned out and not sure how to fix it? In 2024, emails from burned-out managers and employees have flooded my workplace coach inbox. Here’s what some have said: “I’m running on empty;” “mentally exhausted and emotionally drained;” “constantly on edge and irritable;” “on autopilot, just going through the motions, and don’t see any way out.” If you … [Read more...] about Four fixes for job burnout
Getting your head back in the game after summer vacation
It can be hard to come back to the office after the fun and relaxation of summer vacation. Consider these tips for a smooth transition and an efficient workflow. Reconnect with the Healthcare Team: Upon your return, schedule meetings with key healthcare professionals and staff members. Discuss any recent changes, updates, or challenges that occurred during your absence. … [Read more...] about Getting your head back in the game after summer vacation
Who’s going to win the return to the office battle?
By Lynne Curry After the pandemic wound to a close, employers began pushing employees to return to the office. Fifty percent of U.S. employers issued a full or hybrid RTO (return to office) mandate in 2022 and 2023, and almost all employers planned implementing an RTO mandate before the end of 2024. Employers perceived, and many experienced, benefits from implementing RTO … [Read more...] about Who’s going to win the return to the office battle?
EEOC releases workplace guidance to prevent harassment
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has published final guidance on harassment in the workplace, “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace.” By providing this resource on the legal standards and employer liability applicable to harassment claims under the federal employment discrimination laws enforced by the EEOC, the guidance will help people … [Read more...] about EEOC releases workplace guidance to prevent harassment