By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Once upon a time, medical offices could count on such a solid, even lucrative income stream that some minor problems, even considerable costs, could be accepted. That's not been true for a long time. Increasingly complex and intrusive regulation, rising insurance costs, and an increasingly litigious environment are now accompanied by reduced and delayed … [Read more...] about Office efficiency, profit often depend on surprising issues
Productivity
How technology is going to affect HR processes in 2016
Imagine software that runs on a phone, delivers on-the-job skills training via video, and integrates with a learning management system that shows a manager how well employees have mastered new skills. This is just one example of the innovations emerging to help improve productivity at work, according to Josh Bersin, principal at Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP. … [Read more...] about How technology is going to affect HR processes in 2016
Dealing with winter weather
As winter weather arrives with force in many parts of the country, it brings a reminder of the impact snowstorms have on businesses both large and small. Winter storms cause frustration for business owners, management, and HR professionals as they deal with the disruption each new snowflake brings. Inclement weather related issues include early school closings and the … [Read more...] about Dealing with winter weather
Award program motivates employees all year
In a New York state office, the employee-of-the-month award goes beyond cursory congratulations. It is a recognition that lasts all year with seven reward components. Staff take the award seriously. When it is announced at the staff meeting each month, employees are supportive of each other. They cry and hug and congratulate the winner, says the manager of the 21-staff medical … [Read more...] about Award program motivates employees all year
What your staff is doing on the Internet and why you may want to allow it
It's a temptation too great for many people to resist—using the Internet to check their Facebook page, watch those cat videos or check on the Fantasy League while at work. And according to a survey from FindLaw.com, a provider of business development solutions for law firms, about half of staff members are surfing the Internet when they should be working. What are they … [Read more...] about What your staff is doing on the Internet and why you may want to allow it
Five tips for better decision-making
When it comes to making decisions, intuition can be a powerful ally. Yet for most people, knowing how to tune in to their intuition and actually put it to use is almost always harder than it sounds. "Especially when you need it most, such as when making important decisions, intuition can be difficult to hear due to mental chatter, fear, emotions or outside opinions," says … [Read more...] about Five tips for better decision-making
Physicians have mixed feelings about technology
A nationwide survey on physician sentiment toward technology, conducted by Geneia, a company creating analytic and technology solutions to improve health care, finds physicians believe technology is both a help and hindrance. Physician views on electronic medical records (EMRs) are representative of their mixed feelings about technology in the workplace. When asked whether … [Read more...] about Physicians have mixed feelings about technology
Get organized or suffer
By Steve M. Cohen bio I usually focus more on the serious sides of personnel management, the kind of issues that can close down a business or organization if mishandled. "Getting organized" might not sound like one of those issues, but I've witnessed cases where disorganization was clearly a factor in success and failure. Especially in environments like those faced … [Read more...] about Get organized or suffer
Simple differences may hide volumes
By Steve M. Cohen bio Management is often a game of differentiating between the mundane and the critical. Like many things involving humans, management often includes a lot of seemingly similar demands that turn out to be very different. One of the most important can involve the difference between "practice" and "policy." Legally and otherwise, there's a … [Read more...] about Simple differences may hide volumes
Management really does matter
By Steve M. Cohen bio Although most of us assume the obvious, it's worth stressing the underlining need for good management and "mess management" in any organization. There is much that you can do to anticipate the potholes and to navigate around them if you are savvy and prepared. It helps if you have formal education in leadership and management, but even if you don't, … [Read more...] about Management really does matter