By Lynne Curry If you love working from home, and dread returning to the office, here’s the stark question you may face this year—are you willing to lose your job? This crossroads looms large for millions of workers. After tasting the benefits of remote work—zero commutes and better work-life balance—many employees feel reluctant to trade that freedom for fluorescent … [Read more...] about HR UPDATE: Who will win the return to office fight?
Managing staff
“Why are you leaving us?” 5 key questions to ask staffers who resign
There's good information to be had from a staffer who's leaving. Here are a few rules to follow and a few questions to ask. Two minutes before the exit Do the interviewing just as the staffer is ready to walk out the door. That means late afternoon of the last day. The 11th-hour timing ensures that whatever negative remarks the staffer makes won't carry repercussion. … [Read more...] about “Why are you leaving us?” 5 key questions to ask staffers who resign
9 Ways to Build an Environment of Continuous Learning for Your Staff
As a medical office manager, you know the value of having a well-trained, motivated administrative team. But keeping your staff sharp and engaged requires more than just a good onboarding program. It’s about creating an environment of continuous learning—one where your team feels empowered to grow their skills and stay ahead of industry trends. Here’s how you can foster that … [Read more...] about 9 Ways to Build an Environment of Continuous Learning for Your Staff
Manager, Brace Yourself: The January Resignation Rush Is Coming
By Lynne Curry “My job’s been a pressure cooker of rush projects, travel and late-night emails for the last two years. The final straw came on Christmas. My boss decided I’d be the one to cover any calls, as everyone else was married. After that, it wasn’t a difficult decision. I’m trading my corporate paycheck for peace of mind and evenings and weekends off. My new job has … [Read more...] about Manager, Brace Yourself: The January Resignation Rush Is Coming
Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Medical Office Managers
As discussions around workplace flexibility continue to grow, the idea of a four-day workweek has gained significant attention in the United States. From pilot programs in the private sector to proposed legislation, such as the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act introduced in 2024, the potential shift to a shorter workweek is becoming more than just a trending topic. For medical … [Read more...] about Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Medical Office Managers
HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police
By Lynne Curry Question: My employer fired me this morning for an “offense” so minor it’s laughable—especially since dozens of other employees do the same thing. Here’s what happened. My employer issues meal vouchers employees can use if they have pizza or sandwiches delivered to them at their desks when they’re working through lunch or into the evening. Since I didn’t … [Read more...] about HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police
7 strategies for firing without backfiring
By Lynne Curry The final revenge of the difficult, fired employee. You’ve hesitated to fire him, you’ve given him chance after chance, but he’s not getting better. In fact, he’s getting worse, and so is the situation. You owe it to your other employees, who consider this employee toxic or carry his shirked workload burden, to bless this employee out the … [Read more...] about 7 strategies for firing without backfiring
Continuous career progression helps you keep good staff
Retaining talented staff is a critical challenge for medical office managers. Continuous career progression is a proactive and strategic approach to career development that involves the ongoing enhancement of skills, experiences, and responsibilities over time. This continuous process not only boosts job satisfaction and productivity but also significantly contributes to staff … [Read more...] about Continuous career progression helps you keep good staff
Staff Shortages: Does No One Want to Work Anymore?
By Lynne Curry Mia didn’t expect her nursing shift to stretch to 16 hours without a break. Yet, there she stood, an empty coffee cup in hand, an exhausted. With every bed filled, she rushed from one patient to another, handling everything from IVs to emergencies — duties she’d normally share with others. “I’m doing the work of two, sometimes three nurses. But we’re … [Read more...] about Staff Shortages: Does No One Want to Work Anymore?
Get ready for employment law updates coming in 2025
Coming up in 2025, there are several important employment law changes that managers in the U.S. should be aware of: Overtime Pay Threshold Increase: The Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to increase the salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility. Starting in early 2025, employees earning under $58,656 per year (up from $35,568) may become eligible for overtime pay … [Read more...] about Get ready for employment law updates coming in 2025