Purposeful Meeting Agendas: Before scheduling any meeting, clearly define its purpose and desired outcomes. Craft a detailed agenda and share it with participants in advance. This helps attendees prepare relevant input and ensures that the meeting stays focused on achieving its objectives. Consider Alternatives: Not all communication requires a formal meeting. Explore … [Read more...] about 10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
Productivity
Working on everything everywhere all at once? Try monotasking
In today's fast-paced business environment, office managers are often faced with a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. As the demands of the job continue to grow, it becomes increasingly tempting to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, commonly known as multitasking. However, there is an emerging school of thought that promotes the merits of monotasking—focusing on one … [Read more...] about Working on everything everywhere all at once? Try monotasking
How to handle breakroom conflicts
You've got a days-old tuna and pesto wrap stinking up the fridge, unwashed cups in the sink, and muffin crumbs on the table. You could fit-test a respirator with the smell of banana peels wafting from the overfull trash can. The 15 minutes you were going to spend reading the latest thriller disappeared when you had to scrub and refill the scorched coffee pot. Experiences like … [Read more...] about How to handle breakroom conflicts
Feeling burned out? You and 40% of professionals
Burnout is a problem that just won't go away, new research from global talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half shows. In a survey of 1,132 professionals, 36 per cent of respondents reported being more burned out now than a year ago. Workers said the most common factors contributing to burnout today are: Heavy workloads (54 per cent) Lack of communication … [Read more...] about Feeling burned out? You and 40% of professionals
6 common problems in medical offices, and suggested solutions
Got a problem with your office? Chances are it's one of a half-dozen common problems for medical offices. Here are the problems and suggested solutions. 1 Streamlining Appointment Scheduling Problem: Patients often experience long wait times and confusion during the appointment scheduling process. Solution: Implement an online appointment scheduling system that allows … [Read more...] about 6 common problems in medical offices, and suggested solutions
The competent jerk: Managing a top performer who alienates his coworkers
By Lynne Curry Question: My top producer, “Luke,” out-performs any three employees. I love him to death. I wish I had more employees with his energy and drive. I also want to wring his neck. He alienates other employees with his brash “my way is the only way” attitude. When others are speaking in company meetings, he talks over them and cuts them off, using a condescending … [Read more...] about The competent jerk: Managing a top performer who alienates his coworkers
7 ways to create a comfortable waiting room
When you step into a medical office waiting room, you want to feel comfortable, at ease, and assured that you're in good hands. As a medical office manager, it's essential to design a waiting room that reflects the care and attention you provide to your patients. Here are some best practices to consider as you create a welcoming and efficient environment. Focus on … [Read more...] about 7 ways to create a comfortable waiting room
Howdy and welcome to the team: 8 best onboarding practices
Onboarding a new employee in a medical office is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and set them up for success in their new role. Here are some best practices to consider for an effective onboarding process: Pre-boarding preparation: Start the onboarding process before the employee's first day. Share necessary paperwork, such as contracts, policies, and forms, in advance … [Read more...] about Howdy and welcome to the team: 8 best onboarding practices
6 steps to making good decisions
Should you subscribe to this billing platform or that one? Should you hire this receptionist candidate or that one? Should you create this kind of schedule or that one? Decisions, decisions! As a medical office manager, making informed and effective decisions is crucial to ensure smooth operations and provide quality care to patients. Here is some advice on how to approach … [Read more...] about 6 steps to making good decisions
Be smart about scheduling to retain hourly employees
Staff scheduling can significantly impact the success of your practice. While scheduling may seem like a routine administrative task, its importance in retaining your valuable hourly employees cannot be overstated. A well-designed and thoughtful scheduling system can lead to increased job satisfaction, higher productivity, and improved staff retention rates. . Depending on the … [Read more...] about Be smart about scheduling to retain hourly employees