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MANAGING THE OFFICE

17 projects for the last quarter of 2023

As we start the last quarter of the year, it’s time to plan the projects that need to be done before we close out 2023. Here’s a list to consider. Financial Review: a. Review the year-to-date financial statements to assess the financial health of the practice. b. Prepare a budget for the upcoming year, considering revenue, expenses, and capital investments. Insurance Contracts: a. Review and negotiate contracts with insurance providers for the next year. b. Ensure that all current contracts are up to date and compliant with regulations. Staff Evaluations: a. Conduct performance evaluations for staff members. b. Set goals and expectations for the upcoming year. c. Identify training and development needs for staff. Compliance and Regulatory Updates: a. Ensure that the practice is up to date with all healthcare… . . . read more.

YOUR CAREER

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 pleased but said, “congratulations,” and handed me the paperwork I needed to sign “to make it official”. “Who’s my new supervisor?” “You’ll still report to me.” “What’s the raise?” “About that. This is a dry promotion.” “A what?” “A promotion without a raise. They happen all the time.” “You’re kidding.” “No. But you can always turn it down.” I… . . . read more.

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 recipients. Use a Professional Closing Your email closing should reflect the tone of your message and the relationship you have with the recipient. If you are writing a formal email, use a professional closing such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Kind regards.” These closings are neutral and formal, and they convey professionalism and respect. Match the Tone of the Message If you are writing a more… . . . read more.

COMPLIANCE

What you should know about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The NPRM was posted by the Federal Register for public inspection on Aug. 7, 2023 and published in the Federal Register on Aug. 11, 2023. The NPRM is available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/11/2023-17041/regulations-to-implement-the-pregnant-workers-fairness-act. The public may submit comments on that page by clicking on the green “Submit a Formal Comment” button until Oct. 10, 2023.  This document provides a summary of key portions of the NPRM. What is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act? The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a new law that requires covered employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer an “undue hardship.”The PWFA applies only to… . . . read more.

Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees

Dealing with moonlighting employees can be a delicate situation for an office manager. Moonlighting refers to employees holding a second job or pursuing other sources of income outside of their primary employment. While moonlighting itself might not be inherently negative, it can potentially impact an employee’s performance and commitment to their primary job. Here’s how an office manager could handle this situation: Review company policies: Before taking any action, review your company’s policies related to moonlighting or secondary employment. Some companies have specific guidelines in place, and it’s important to understand what your organization’s stance is on this issue. Assess performance: Evaluate whether the moonlighting is affecting the employee’s performance, productivity, or attendance at their primary job. If their work quality and commitment are suffering, it could be a cause… . . . read more.

TEAMWORK

Team building that goes beyond rah-rah to real

By Lynne Curry Question: We have lousy morale at our office. Our senior leaders like to say the problem started during the pandemic, but that’s just a lie they tell themselves. The problem started long before that, when they got so focused on the money they were making and the bonuses they were getting, they forgot employees mattered. Their bubble burst when the pandemic ended. They didn’t expect employee resistance to having to return to on-site work. It shocked them when so many employees jumped ship to better-paying jobs elsewhere. Our company lost substantial numbers of long-term employees that possessed old-style work ethic and years of experience. We’ve had to pay higher wages to attract new employees and they don’t produce the same amount of work nor finished products of… . . . read more.

MANAGING STAFF

Creating a neurodiverse-friendly workplace

In today’s diverse and inclusive work environment, it’s imperative for office managers to create an atmosphere where all employees, including neurodivergent individuals, can thrive. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. By adopting strategies to support neurodivergent employees, you’re not only enhancing workplace morale but also tapping into a pool of unique talents and perspectives. In this article, we’ll explore ways to improve the workplace for neurodivergent employees and foster a more inclusive and productive environment. 1. Educate and raise awareness Start by raising awareness among your team about neurodiversity and the range of conditions it includes. Providing educational resources or hosting workshops can help dispel myths and stereotypes while fostering understanding and empathy. A more informed workforce is better equipped to support… . . . read more.

MANAGING STAFF

Effective staff scheduling: Balance coverage, satisfaction, and work-life harmony

Achieving the delicate balance between adequate staffing coverage, employee satisfaction, and work-life balance is a task that requires finesse and strategic thinking. Consider these innovative scheduling techniques and software solutions that can help you optimize your staff scheduling process for the benefit of both your team and your patients. The challenge of staff scheduling Balancing the needs of your medical office can often feel like solving a complex puzzle. You must ensure that all necessary roles are covered at all times to provide high-quality patient care, while also catering to your employees’ individual preferences and personal commitments. Overstaffing can lead to unnecessary costs, while understaffing can jeopardize patient safety and staff morale. This is where innovative scheduling techniques come into play. Embrace flexibility with rotating shifts One effective technique is… . . . read more.

YOUR CAREER

Practice the art of active listening

Whether you dealing with a patient at the front desk, a staffer with a problem or a physician partner with instructions for you, you need to practice active listening. The skill of active listening has the power to transform relationships, enhance team collaboration, and drive organizational success. As a manager, honing your active listening skills can lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce, improved problem-solving, and a healthier work environment. The Importance of Active Listening Active listening is not merely hearing the words that others speak; it is about truly comprehending and engaging with the underlying messages, emotions, and intentions being communicated. This skill is of paramount importance for several key reasons: Fosters Trust and Respect: When you actively listen to your team members, you signal that their opinions,… . . . read more.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

6 reasons to have on-site childcare…and how to set it up

For onsite employees, care of their children is a constant worry. Inconvenient dropoff and pickup times, last minute cancellations by caregivers, concerns about the care being given and a host of other problems haunt employees through the work day. For some offices, a child care service at or near the office is a solution the benefits parents and the employer. Advantages of On-Site Child Daycare Enhanced Employee Productivity: One of the primary benefits of on-site child daycare is that it allows employees to focus on their work without the constant worry and stress associated with arranging childcare. When employees know their children are in a safe and nurturing environment just steps away, they can dedicate more of their time and energy to their responsibilities. Improved Work-Life Balance: Juggling work and… . . . read more.


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