By Lynne Curry Question: I’m an easygoing, accommodating supervisor. Not only does it take a lot to upset me, but I hate conflict. As a result, some employees take advantage. This can create messy situations as the employees with strong work ethic have to pick up the slack. Soon after I hired “Sam,” he scheduled a private meeting with me and let me know Bekah was … [Read more...] about What’s it going to take for me to rise to this challenge?
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Employer challenges employee’s social media posts
By Lynne Curry Question: I got pulled into the HR manager’s office Friday, handed screenshots of my last three Facebook posts, and told I needed to take them down. She also said I needed to stop posting any comments about the Israeli/Hamas conflict. Apparently one of my coworkers complained about my posts. I can’t believe I’m asked to take down posts I create under my … [Read more...] about Employer challenges employee’s social media posts
EEOC proposes updated workplace harassment guidance to protect workers
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has proposed new guidance on harassment in the workplace. Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace was published in the federal register Oct. 2, and public comment period closed Nov. 1. The EEOC first released a proposed guidance on workplace harassment for public comment in 2017, but it was not … [Read more...] about EEOC proposes updated workplace harassment guidance to protect workers
The Israel/Hamas conflict rocks our workplace
By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a tight-knit team of professionals that work hard and play hard. To describe them as intense would be an understatement. They all care about current events and their heated discussions add spice to the workday. Even more important, their commitment to improving the world is core to why they’re willing to work for low salaries in our small … [Read more...] about The Israel/Hamas conflict rocks our workplace
When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a talented but difficult employee, whose performance has always been spotty but recently went downhill. Lately, “Scott” has dragged himself into the office every morning. He looks exhausted. His eyelids half-close during staff meetings. Because I felt concerned, I asked him if he was okay. He said he was just working too hard. He pointed … [Read more...] about When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
How to help someone suffering domestic abuse
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), observed in October, is a time to recognize victims and raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence. As the manager of a medical office, you are in a unique position to detect possible abuse of both patients and staff members and to be of help. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any … [Read more...] about How to help someone suffering domestic abuse
Patient resources for Healthy Aging Month
September is Healthy Aging Month. Here are resources from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to encourage your patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Services to recommend: Preventive services Cognitive assessment & care plan services Chronic care management services Behavioral health integration services Information for your patients: Preventive … [Read more...] about Patient resources for Healthy Aging Month
Know the signs and risk factors for physician suicide
This week of Sept. 10 through Sept. 16 is National Suicide Prevention Week, and Sunday, Sep. 17, is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Physicians are at a higher risk of suicide and suicidal ideation than the general population, says the American Medical Association. Suicidal ideation has been associated with high workload volume and medical errors. Although previous … [Read more...] about Know the signs and risk factors for physician suicide
Should I take a ‘dry’ promotion (without a raise)?
By Lynne Curry Question: An email with the subject line “good news” arrived in my inbox from my supervisor this morning. The good news I hoped for flashed across my mind as I imagined him saying he was moving to another state, and I’d be getting a new supervisor. He didn’t like me, and I didn’t like him. Instead, he told me I was being offered a promotion. He didn’t look … [Read more...] about Should I take a ‘dry’ promotion (without a raise)?
Make a good impression with your email closing
How you end a business email can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. The right closing can make your email feel more professional and polished, while a poor closing can detract from the message you're trying to convey. In this article, we'll explore some tips and best practices for concluding your business emails in a way that leaves a positive impression on your … [Read more...] about Make a good impression with your email closing