By Steve M. Cohen bio Let's face it, work is not always fun. As they say, "that's why they call it work." But there is a point where a manager may need to draw a line. Although the problem can take many forms, the issues can often be grouped under the heading of "negativity." An "office complainer" is one example you may know. There are also constant critics, … [Read more...] about Lighten up the office for increased productivity
Managing staff
Survey finds medical facilities reluctant to promote from within
As the healthcare sector prepares for 29.4 percent growth by 2022, many medical facilities are faced with deciding whether they should promote from within or recruit externally to fill open positions. The HealthCare Initiative (THC), an affiliate of MRINetwork, which specializes in recruitment of healthcare management professionals, recently surveyed 400 hospital leaders on … [Read more...] about Survey finds medical facilities reluctant to promote from within
Illinois manager develops unique staff review system that does it all
An Illinois manager has developed a review system that, besides determining raises, increases communication throughout the office and also promotes teamwork. The process is referred to as a 360-degree evaluation, and everybody reviews everybody – she and the doctors review the staff, and the staff turn around and review them plus their peers plus themselves. And to keep the … [Read more...] about Illinois manager develops unique staff review system that does it all
Good managers avoid termination disasters
By Steve M. Cohen bio Letting an employee go is rarely easy. Even when the decision is inescapable or the party in question so obviously a negative for the office, the act of termination is usually unpleasant. Most managers will wonder if they've made the right decision. They'll wonder, "Perhaps I should give this person just one more chance," or "Do the bad … [Read more...] about Good managers avoid termination disasters
How to keep the office safe from the lawyers when a staffer gets fired
Terminations are what spark the vast majority of today’s employment law claims, says employment defense attorney Shari Lane. That’s one area where managers can’t afford to make mistakes. Step back before pulling the trigger Safety starts with two obvious precautions, Lane says. First, review the record. Make sure it explains what has led to the decision. If there’s not … [Read more...] about How to keep the office safe from the lawyers when a staffer gets fired
The why, when, and how of a severance agreement and what it needs to cover
A severance agreement can benefit both employer and employee. On the employer side, it’s an insurance policy against employee litigation. “It thwarts claims by former employees,” says employment law attorney Jonathan B. Orleans of Pullman & Comley in Bridgeport, CT. And on the employee side, it softens the blow of being without work and tides people over until they can … [Read more...] about The why, when, and how of a severance agreement and what it needs to cover
Model Policy: Employee resignation
Why you need this model policy: Establishing a formal policy for employee resignation will help ensure that staff transitions go smoothly; the practice treats employees fairly and consistently; and legal requirements are followed. How this model policy helps you: Use this model policy as a guide to establish a formal, written policy for employee resignation. How to use … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Employee resignation
Office “families” require work, no matter the makeup
By Steve M. Cohen bio Medical offices are a unique brand of organization that frequently face their own challenges and opportunities. A good example involves situations where one or more relatives work together in the office. This "nepotism" is not always as negative as that may sound, but it does raise several possible concerns. I would not avoid the situation … [Read more...] about Office “families” require work, no matter the makeup
Medical biller sentenced to 45 months in prison for role in $4 million health care fraud scheme
The medical biller of a Chicago-area visiting physician practice was recently sentenced to 45 months in prison for her role in a $4 million health care fraud scheme. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon of the Northern District of Illinois, Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the … [Read more...] about Medical biller sentenced to 45 months in prison for role in $4 million health care fraud scheme
Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline
You can be sure that most of your employees are active on social media. For younger ones, in fact, using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are as natural as breathing. According to James Pooley, author of "Secrets: Managing Information Assets in the Age of Cyberespionage," social media and the sharing culture it has sparked are very real threats to organizations. "The … [Read more...] about Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline