This Reader Tips idea is a triple one. It comes from a consultant and also from a manager, and it is three approaches to solving a single problem – dealing with one staffer's complaint about another. The consultant is Cindy Fondren-Muise, a practice management consultant in Peyton, CO, who has also served as practice administrator of a pain management clinic. And the … [Read more...] about Three ways to handle staff complaints
Managing staff
Tattoos and piercings: what’s your policy?
If ink and body jewelry seem more prevalent than they once were, it's not your imagination. Tattoos and piercings have become commonplace, especially among people of a certain age. Consider these numbers from Statistics Brain, a website that aggregates research data. Taking into account all age groups, 23 percent of American women and 19 percent of American men have one or … [Read more...] about Tattoos and piercings: what’s your policy?
Specific acknowledgement, specific recognition create a happy, productive staff
What's the one element that makes people pleased to come to work every day? Appreciation from the boss. Appreciation is so important that the Department of Labor cites lack of it as the No. 1 reason people leave their jobs, says attorney and business coach Nora Riva Bergman of Real Life Practice in Tarpon Springs, FL. And appreciation goes a long way, because it gets staff … [Read more...] about Specific acknowledgement, specific recognition create a happy, productive staff
Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
An office manager looking for ways to encourage a team atmosphere decided to ask staff to help market the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) practice where they all work. The goal was to help staff see that everyone plays a key role in the four-physician, 22-staff practice. The office manager began by holding a meeting focused on the important role everyone plays in marketing the … [Read more...] about Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
The surprising answer to what your staff really wants
What do employees want? Flexible work arrangements are often at or near the top of survey lists. And yes, money matters. But, perhaps surprising, career development also gets top rankings. Employees want to acquire knowledge and learn new skills in order to do their jobs and advance their careers. What's more, development opportunities play an important role in keeping staff … [Read more...] about The surprising answer to what your staff really wants
How to handle 5 common types of problem staffers
Every office has its problem employees. And confronting them is a task every manager dreads. There is, however, an easy way to do it: with a brief, nonconfrontational conversation. Tell the staffer what behavior the manager expects, tell what positive results the office will see from the change, and leave no room for argument. Here management trainer Jamie Resker, president of … [Read more...] about How to handle 5 common types of problem staffers
5 proven ways to keep “toxic employees” off your payroll
Got toxins in the office? Toxins are people who cause dissent. They undermine people. They create an atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion. They kill the camaraderie. They are toxic because they cause enough misery to force worthwhile staffers to leave. Medical firms can find themselves with toxic people at both the physician and staff levels. So here are ideas on how not to … [Read more...] about 5 proven ways to keep “toxic employees” off your payroll
When a physician commits suicide
The death of a physician or staff member can be difficult for a practice. The loss has an emotional impact on the people who worked with the individual, and the person's passing leaves an obvious void. It also results in numerous practical issues the office manager must address. But a death by suicide takes loss to an entirely different level. And when a physician commits … [Read more...] about When a physician commits suicide
How to schedule employee vacations for maximum efficiency and minimum conflict
Ah, vacation. A time synonymous with sun, fun, and relaxation—unless of course you're the manager of a busy medical practice trying to create the office vacation schedule. Yes, staff members need, want, and OK, deserve time off, but how do you plan for vacations without adding stress to your calendar and causing employee conflict? Granting time off How much time off employees … [Read more...] about How to schedule employee vacations for maximum efficiency and minimum conflict
Now’s the time to enforce your summer dress code
After a long, cold winter, who doesn't look forward to a long, hot summer? For office managers, however, summer brings a new set of challenges, including what staff members wear to the office. Ah yes, warm weather work attire. Ultra-sheer blouses, midriff tops, plunging necklines, short skirts, shorts, and flip-flops. Whatever are they thinking? If you don't have a summer … [Read more...] about Now’s the time to enforce your summer dress code