It's a temptation too great for many people to resist—using the Internet to check their Facebook page, watch those cat videos or check on the Fantasy League while at work. And according to a survey from FindLaw.com, a provider of business development solutions for law firms, about half of staff members are surfing the Internet when they should be working. What are they … [Read more...] about What your staff is doing on the Internet and why you may want to allow it
Managing staff
Seasons change. So do laws and regulations
By Steve M. Cohen bio As fall turns to winter, it is a good time to examine other changes that impact us all. To me, it's clear that the legal and regulatory climate of our world is changing. Whether you manage a masonry firm or medical office, the changes are everywhere. But these transformations are not steady, like the movement of a glacier. They come in jerks and jolts … [Read more...] about Seasons change. So do laws and regulations
Model Policy: Dress code and appearance
Why you need this model policy: Employees affiliated with a medical practice are representatives of the practice and are responsible for creating a positive experience for patients, families, visitors, clinical staff, and fellow workers. How this model policy helps you: This model policy allows a practice to address all aspects of employee appearance, including clothing, … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Dress code and appearance
Good managers watch for bad behavior
By Steve M. Cohen bio I know that many office managers sometimes feel like a kindergarten teacher. Even with the best team, there's always one or two who rub each other the wrong way or seem to have more than their share of complaints, either complaints about what they do or say, or what others do or say to them. Ultimately, no one can promise you much more … [Read more...] about Good managers watch for bad behavior
When an employee has body odor
Q: I don't know how to say this delicately, so I'll get right to the point. A staffer at our practice has terrible body odor. Her B.O. is so bad that several other staffers have approached me, saying they don't want to work with her. Also, they have asked me to do something about the situation. I'm usually good at counseling employees, but this particular problem has me … [Read more...] about When an employee has body odor
Model Policy: Sexual harassment
Why you need this policy: Personnel issues are among the most difficult problems faced by medical practice management. And few personnel issues are any tougher than sexual harassment. How this policy helps you: The starting point in managing sexual harassment is to establish a clearly written, specific policy that includes a/an: Policy statement indicating that sexual … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Sexual harassment
Simple differences may hide volumes
By Steve M. Cohen bio Management is often a game of differentiating between the mundane and the critical. Like many things involving humans, management often includes a lot of seemingly similar demands that turn out to be very different. One of the most important can involve the difference between "practice" and "policy." Legally and otherwise, there's a … [Read more...] about Simple differences may hide volumes
Management really does matter
By Steve M. Cohen bio Although most of us assume the obvious, it's worth stressing the underlining need for good management and "mess management" in any organization. There is much that you can do to anticipate the potholes and to navigate around them if you are savvy and prepared. It helps if you have formal education in leadership and management, but even if you don't, … [Read more...] about Management really does matter
Lighten up the office for increased productivity
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
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