By Steve M. Cohen bio In my experience, nepotism often brings a range of personal and organizational issues that are worth noting. First, let me acknowledge that there is clearly a place in many offices where related people work together. The classic case is a small office, but even some larger organizations can avoid problems if they are careful. But there are … [Read more...] about Family and business: not always the best mix
Termination
Dealing with the cell phone abusers, the smokers, and the too-jolly staffer
Here are three people questions. They cover the cell phone and Internet users, the smokers, and the staffer who wastes time entertaining everybody. They are answered by Jonna Contacos-Sawyer, SPHR, CCP, CMC, president and consulting principal of HR Consultants, a management and human resources firm in Johnstown, PA. • What’s the most effective way to limit personal use of … [Read more...] about Dealing with the cell phone abusers, the smokers, and the too-jolly staffer
What every office manager needs to know about ‘at-will’ employment
What does at-will employment mean? It means that either the employer or the employee can end the relationship at any time and for any reason or for no reason at all – unless there is a contract for a term of employment. So why should a manager be concerned about that? Because most states say yes, there can be an implied contract of employment and no, that contract doesn't … [Read more...] about What every office manager needs to know about ‘at-will’ employment
Avoid these 3 deadly age discrimination traps
Age discrimination has become today's big employment law issue. And it's because people live longer than in the recent past and also work longer. Some work longer by choice; others have seen their retirement funds obliterated and are forced to continue working. It's yet another danger spot managers need to watch. Older job applicants and employees have strong protection under … [Read more...] about Avoid these 3 deadly age discrimination traps
Your personal social media posts: are they really personal?
A Vermont State Police trooper was recently forced to resign as a result of comments he posted to his personal Facebook page. Could this happen to you or a member of your staff? The story in Vermont An unidentified concerned citizen notified the Vermont State Police about the trooper's Facebook posts, according to the Rutland Herald, and the agency proceeded to … [Read more...] about Your personal social media posts: are they really personal?
Do you have a practice bully?
By Lynne Curry bio At first you hear rumblings, and then they turn into a rockslide. If you have a practice bully, a domineering charge nurse, an it's-all-about-me IT manager or a physician so aware of the dollars he brings to your clinic that he could not care less about those he rides roughshod over, you've got a problem. What happens if you don't address a … [Read more...] about Do you have a practice bully?
Retaliation landmine
By Lynne Curry bio Everyone in your office knows she's a problem. She mouths off constantly and prefers chatting with coworkers to doing her job. You regret the day you hired her and when she makes one smart-aleck comment too many about your practice, you say "Look, you're not happy here. I'll have the bookkeeper draw up a final check. I wish you good luck." Big mistake. … [Read more...] about Retaliation landmine
Culture eats strategy for lunch. Every time, everywhere
By Steve M. Cohen bio You may have heard the expression, "Culture eats strategy for lunch." It's a widespread concept in many management circles and was even the title of a book. Some give credit for coining the concept to the management guru Peter Drucker, but I suspect it goes back much further. Henry Ford is said to have followed it. Alexander the Great probably … [Read more...] about Culture eats strategy for lunch. Every time, everywhere
Don’t make the right move for the wrong reasons
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sure you've heard people use expressions like, "it will all come out in the wash." I suspect this phrase is now a bit dated, but the idea is that even if things start in a negative way, they'll be all right in the end. I generally agree with this philosophy, but if you're a medical office manager, it's not a solution I would count on. … [Read more...] about Don’t make the right move for the wrong reasons
Avoid these 4 deadly discrimination traps when hiring or firing
The possibilities of stirring up a discrimination claim when hiring and firing are endless. All that's needed is an assertion, however thin, that the decision was based on some wrongful reason. Here are four areas that can take a manager by surprise. Dear Applicant: You're not hired. First is the letter of rejection the office sends to its turned-down job applicants. Don't … [Read more...] about Avoid these 4 deadly discrimination traps when hiring or firing