By Lynne Curry Question: On the surface, two of my employees, “Veronica” and “Katie,” are friends. They go to lunch together every day and frequently visit each other’s cubicles. Behind the scenes, Veronica undermines Katie. She regularly comes into my office and tells me she has to help Katie with routine job tasks. She “fills me in” on situations Katie doesn’t handle … [Read more...] about Undermined and Unaware: What Happens When You Don’t Step In
Managing staff
Building Teamwork Through Volunteer Work: Celebrating April Volunteer Month
April is Volunteer Month, a perfect time to reflect on the power of giving back—not only to your community but also to your office culture. As an office manager, organizing volunteer opportunities for your team can be a meaningful way to strengthen relationships, foster a sense of purpose, and improve teamwork. When your staff works together on volunteer projects, it does more … [Read more...] about Building Teamwork Through Volunteer Work: Celebrating April Volunteer Month
Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
By Lynne Curry As employers push forward with their return-to-office (RTO) policies, many unknowingly step into legal minefield. The shift back to in-person work presents a host of challenges—especially for employers balancing productivity with legal obligations. Whether it’s handling accommodation requests, avoiding discrimination claims, or ensuring compliance with … [Read more...] about Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
Managing Staff Burnout in a High-Stress Medical Environment
Medical offices are fast-paced, high-pressure environments where staff are constantly balancing patient care, administrative tasks, and regulatory compliance. Over time, this can lead to burnout—emotional exhaustion, reduced job satisfaction, and even high turnover rates. As a medical office manager, you play a key role in identifying, preventing, and addressing staff burnout. … [Read more...] about Managing Staff Burnout in a High-Stress Medical Environment
Crisis management in a medical office: Preparing for and responding to unexpected events
In a medical office, crisis management isn’t just about handling emergencies—it's about being prepared for and responding effectively to unexpected events that could disrupt your practice and impact patient care. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a data breach, or an unforeseen staffing issue, having a solid crisis management plan is essential for maintaining the safety, … [Read more...] about Crisis management in a medical office: Preparing for and responding to unexpected events
Supporting Physicians and Ensuring Patient Safety: Addressing Alcohol Concerns with Care
If you suspect that a physician in your practice has a problem with alcohol that is affecting their work, it is essential to address the issue promptly and professionally. Handling this situation requires discretion, adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, and a commitment to patient care. Here’s how you can navigate this sensitive issue effectively. 1. Recognizing the … [Read more...] about Supporting Physicians and Ensuring Patient Safety: Addressing Alcohol Concerns with Care
How to curb office gossip in your medical practice
Office gossip can quickly create a toxic environment, especially in a medical practice where teamwork and trust are essential for patient care. As a medical office manager, it’s your responsibility to maintain a professional atmosphere where everyone feels respected and focused on their work. Gossip undermines that environment, breeding negativity, reducing productivity, and … [Read more...] about How to curb office gossip in your medical practice
How to supervise former peers as a new medical office manager
Congratulations on your promotion! Moving into the role of medical office manager is an exciting step in your career. But with this new position comes the challenge of supervising people who were once your peers. It’s a tricky situation, but with the right approach, you can manage these relationships while earning the respect and trust of your team. Here are some practical … [Read more...] about How to supervise former peers as a new medical office manager
How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Staff scheduling is one of the most delicate juggling acts in your role. Between time-off requests, unexpected call-outs, and making sure the office runs smoothly every day, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly putting out fires. While you can’t control everything, you can put systems in place that make scheduling more manageable—and keep your sanity intact in the … [Read more...] about How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Creating a safe and healthy work environment for your staff
One of your top priorities is ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for both your administrative and clinical staff. This not only enhances productivity and morale but also ensures compliance with relevant regulations. Here’s a guide on how to create a safe and healthy workspace for everyone in your practice, including information on common types of … [Read more...] about Creating a safe and healthy work environment for your staff