The vast majority of Americans—95%—now owns a cellphone of some kind, and the percentage of Americans with smartphones has risen to 77%. Navigating the waters of security in the wake of this expansive usage of mobile devices presents serious challenges for families and businesses alike. In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Illinois Bankers Association, … [Read more...] about A dozen cybersecurity tips for mobile device users
Managing staff
Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
An office manager looking for ways to encourage a team atmosphere decided to ask staff to help market the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) practice where they all work. The goal was to help staff see that everyone plays a key role in the four-physician, 22-staff practice. The office manager began by holding a meeting focused on the important role everyone plays in marketing the … [Read more...] about Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
I started sending my team a weekly inspirational email and something extraordinary happened
By Robert Glazer bio A few years ago I began the habit of getting up earlier and writing in my journal, taking the time to be reflective, appreciative, and grateful. I went over my goals each morning and my values. I devoted time to reading stories and quotations that inspired me. Finding, reading, and journaling about these pieces of inspiration soon became an … [Read more...] about I started sending my team a weekly inspirational email and something extraordinary happened
Should your physicians blog?
Blogging, when successful, results in a certain notoriety, which, in the case of a physician blogger, calls attention to his or her medical practice. Such notoriety can help market the practice and result in new patients. But there are other reasons doctors blog—and, in fact, marketing the practice isn't one of the primary reasons physicians take to the keyboard. Dr. John … [Read more...] about Should your physicians blog?
Higher wages, better health benefits, or larger tax refunds? Survey looks at 2017 payroll trends
Every year, the American Payroll Association (APA) conducts an annual survey for National Payroll Week, with the goal of helping American employee better understand their paychecks. According to the APA, this knowledge can help employees make smarter decisions with how they're paid. "Maximizing your paycheck is immensely important," said Dan Maddux, executive director of the … [Read more...] about Higher wages, better health benefits, or larger tax refunds? Survey looks at 2017 payroll trends
Is a false sense of confidence among your employees exposing your practice to costly phishing emails?
Intermedia, a cloud business applications provider, has released Part 1 of its 2017 Data Vulnerability Report, which examines the security behavioral habits of more than 1,000 office workers in the United States. Your employees are unknowingly granting hackers access Despite organizations educating employees about cyber threats and security best practices, office workers … [Read more...] about Is a false sense of confidence among your employees exposing your practice to costly phishing emails?
When an opioid crisis hits your medical practice
By Lynne Curry bio The first time you saw "Bill" appear to nod off during a staff meeting, you pulled him aside after the meeting. When you asked if he was okay, he said he was. You gave him the benefit of the doubt because he'd worked for you for three years and been a good employee. You knew he'd recently gone through a divorce and thought maybe he'd had a hard … [Read more...] about When an opioid crisis hits your medical practice
How to handle 5 common types of problem staffers
Every office has its problem employees. And confronting them is a task every manager dreads. There is, however, an easy way to do it: with a brief, nonconfrontational conversation. Tell the staffer what behavior the manager expects, tell what positive results the office will see from the change, and leave no room for argument. Here management trainer Jamie Resker, president of … [Read more...] about How to handle 5 common types of problem staffers
Techniques leaders can use to diminish the Monday morning slump
By Dudley Slater bio The numbers are sadly staggering. Some 70% of American workers are not engaged and dread Monday morning, according to an annual poll by the Gallup organization. Many are quick to blame the organization, the working conditions or that old, tired industry. If only I worked for the next Google, that would be exciting. If it were that easy then why … [Read more...] about Techniques leaders can use to diminish the Monday morning slump
5 proven ways to keep “toxic employees” off your payroll
Got toxins in the office? Toxins are people who cause dissent. They undermine people. They create an atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion. They kill the camaraderie. They are toxic because they cause enough misery to force worthwhile staffers to leave. Medical firms can find themselves with toxic people at both the physician and staff levels. So here are ideas on how not to … [Read more...] about 5 proven ways to keep “toxic employees” off your payroll