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
Managing staff
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
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