By Lynne Curry “My job’s been a pressure cooker of rush projects, travel and late-night emails for the last two years. The final straw came on Christmas. My boss decided I’d be the one to cover any calls, as everyone else was married. After that, it wasn’t a difficult decision. I’m trading my corporate paycheck for peace of mind and evenings and weekends off. My new job has … [Read more...] about Manager, Brace Yourself: The January Resignation Rush Is Coming
Managing staff
Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Medical Office Managers
As discussions around workplace flexibility continue to grow, the idea of a four-day workweek has gained significant attention in the United States. From pilot programs in the private sector to proposed legislation, such as the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act introduced in 2024, the potential shift to a shorter workweek is becoming more than just a trending topic. For medical … [Read more...] about Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Medical Office Managers
HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police
By Lynne Curry Question: My employer fired me this morning for an “offense” so minor it’s laughable—especially since dozens of other employees do the same thing. Here’s what happened. My employer issues meal vouchers employees can use if they have pizza or sandwiches delivered to them at their desks when they’re working through lunch or into the evening. Since I didn’t … [Read more...] about HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police
7 strategies for firing without backfiring
By Lynne Curry The final revenge of the difficult, fired employee. You’ve hesitated to fire him, you’ve given him chance after chance, but he’s not getting better. In fact, he’s getting worse, and so is the situation. You owe it to your other employees, who consider this employee toxic or carry his shirked workload burden, to bless this employee out the … [Read more...] about 7 strategies for firing without backfiring
Continuous career progression helps you keep good staff
Retaining talented staff is a critical challenge for medical office managers. Continuous career progression is a proactive and strategic approach to career development that involves the ongoing enhancement of skills, experiences, and responsibilities over time. This continuous process not only boosts job satisfaction and productivity but also significantly contributes to staff … [Read more...] about Continuous career progression helps you keep good staff
Staff Shortages: Does No One Want to Work Anymore?
By Lynne Curry Mia didn’t expect her nursing shift to stretch to 16 hours without a break. Yet, there she stood, an empty coffee cup in hand, an exhausted. With every bed filled, she rushed from one patient to another, handling everything from IVs to emergencies — duties she’d normally share with others. “I’m doing the work of two, sometimes three nurses. But we’re … [Read more...] about Staff Shortages: Does No One Want to Work Anymore?
Get ready for employment law updates coming in 2025
Coming up in 2025, there are several important employment law changes that managers in the U.S. should be aware of: Overtime Pay Threshold Increase: The Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to increase the salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility. Starting in early 2025, employees earning under $58,656 per year (up from $35,568) may become eligible for overtime pay … [Read more...] about Get ready for employment law updates coming in 2025
‘Well that was awkward!’
Awkward situations are bound to come up in any office, and handling them with a delicate touch can make all the difference. Navigating these moments effectively helps maintain a positive work environment and showcases strong leadership. Here are some common awkward scenarios—and how to handle them with grace. 1. Dealing with Personal Hygiene … [Read more...] about ‘Well that was awkward!’
How to improve your office team with cross-training
Cross-training in a medical office is a powerful strategy to boost your team's capabilities, enhance operations, and provide top-notch patient care. By broadening the skill sets of your staff, you create a more versatile workforce capable of handling diverse responsibilities. Advantages of Cross-Training Enhanced Flexibility: Example: A medical receptionist … [Read more...] about How to improve your office team with cross-training
HR question: Political gear at work
By Lynne Curry Question: Our problems started in September. Four guys in the warehouse started wearing Camo “Make American Great Again” hats. Two weeks later, they installed in a handmade sign inside the warehouse door that said, “This is Trump Country.” It didn’t bother anyone, or so we thought. But apparently it did. Ten days later, two women in the accounting office … [Read more...] about HR question: Political gear at work