Falling into a pool, sleeping under a table, fighting with the boss and screaming like a werewolf – scenes from a rough weekend or a corporate event? Unfortunately, for those involved, it's the latter. A recent Robert Half survey of executives found these were just a few of managers' worst moments at holiday parties. Participants were asked about the most embarrassing thing … [Read more...] about Life of the ‘office’ party: Managers’ most embarrassing holiday party gaffes revealed
Managing staff
Looking to hire a millennial doctor? Don’t advertise on LinkedIn
With the physician shortage being a top concern for healthcare providers, CompHealth, a healthcare staffing company, conducted a survey to better understand the processes by which young physicians search for jobs, and gain insights into their plans for post-training life. The company recently revealed the results of their survey, which was administered to nearly 600 young … [Read more...] about Looking to hire a millennial doctor? Don’t advertise on LinkedIn
Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D., SPHR bio "J.J." is a hard-working, talented manager who makes caustic statements when he stresses out. Although he initially offended you when you first started supervising him, you learned not to take his comments to heart. When others come to you upset, you tell them, "That's just J.J. being J.J." Some coworkers even appreciate J.J.'s … [Read more...] about Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
7 tips to stay classy at the practice holiday party
'Tis the season to socialize with physicians and other medical professionals from your practice, as well as coworkers and staff. Here's how to have fun while keeping it professional. 1 Prepare for the party It doesn't matter whether your employer is holding this year's holiday party at the office or offsite. Nor does it matter if it takes place at lunchtime or after … [Read more...] about 7 tips to stay classy at the practice holiday party
Creating a project plan that works
By Cheryl Toth, MBA bio A wise friend of mine once said, "Ideas are a dime a dozen." I agree. Ideas are little more than creative puffs of air if you don't do anything to implement them. Brainstorming and strategic discussions can birth a bunch of possibilities for improving patient collections or reenergizing referral streams. But in order to successfully execute … [Read more...] about Creating a project plan that works
Can you require your medical office workers to get a flu shot?
Vaccination is the most effective defense against flu viruses. So it behooves you to ensure that your medical office workers get flu shots every year at the start of every flu season. But what if your staff members neglect or just plain refuse to be vaccinated? Can you require them to get a flu shot? Bottom Line: Yes, a mandatory flu vaccination policy is legally justifiable … [Read more...] about Can you require your medical office workers to get a flu shot?
Holiday season dos and don’ts for the medical office
The holiday season is an ideal time of year to show goodwill toward all, including your staff. Here are some dos and don’ts to help make your workplace holiday friendly. Do Try to be flexible when it comes to time off during the holiday season. Yes, employees should have saved their vacation time. And yes, maybe seniority should prevail when it comes to the days off … [Read more...] about Holiday season dos and don’ts for the medical office
8 actions to be an exceptional listener
By Stacey Hanke bio Most people consider themselves to be good listeners, finding it hard to admit otherwise. We know listening is vital to building strong relationships with coworkers, managers, clients, and leadership. In fact, it is considered to be the single most important communication skill necessary, valued more highly than speaking, in the business world. We spend … [Read more...] about 8 actions to be an exceptional listener
Office hours change draws more working patients
A change from traditional office hours has proved popular with patients, staff, and physicians at a family practice in Tifton, GA. It can be difficult for people to get time off work to visit the doctor, and too many such absences can even endanger their jobs. So practice administrator Christy Blanchett of Family Practice Associates came up with a schedule to accommodate … [Read more...] about Office hours change draws more working patients
HIPAA extends to gossip as well as to searching out dirt on an ex-spouse
Getting staff to maintain patient confidentiality goes much further than getting them to protect electronic data. A significant risk for offices is just plain talk. A staffer tells a friend about a patient's condition. Or there could be actual malice where a staffer looks up information on an ex-spouse. Or there could be innocent talk where a staffer in one office tells a … [Read more...] about HIPAA extends to gossip as well as to searching out dirt on an ex-spouse