A retaliation claim is expensive to defend and even more expensive to lose. And now it's easier for employees to file one in matters related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which covers wage and hour law. In the past, a retaliation claim for complaining about pay and hours was valid only if the employee put the complaint in writing. However, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling … [Read more...] about Don’t let wage and hour complaint lead to costly retaliation claim
Risk management
How to tell when a job candidate or staffer is lying to you
Whether interviewing a job candidate or talking with a staffer about an occurrence in the office, the manager needs to know how to tell who's telling the truth and who isn't. It's an art that calls for close attention to both verbal and nonverbal signs, says private investigator and security consultant Joseph A. LaSorsa, a former senior special agent with the U.S. Secret … [Read more...] about How to tell when a job candidate or staffer is lying to you
Cultural differences create new frontier for office managers
By Steve M. Cohen bio With all of the discussion about harassment and other personnel issues, I'm surprised there's not more recognition of the different assumptions that people bring because of varying backgrounds and cultures. First, I'm not excusing boring or outright predatory behavior because of cultural or other differences. People must learn to live and … [Read more...] about Cultural differences create new frontier for office managers
Model Notice: Alcohol consumption at practice party
Why you need this notice: Holiday and other office parties often include alcohol, and excessive alcohol consumption poses risks for employees. How this notice helps you: By letting employees know about your concerns for their safety, and providing recommendations for safe behavior, you are acting responsibly. How to use this notice: Modify this notice for your practice. … [Read more...] about Model Notice: Alcohol consumption at practice party
Should you put a lid on political talk in the office?
The current presidential campaign is certainly intriguing. Who doesn't have an opinion about a recent rally, debate or op-ed? No doubt your staff members do. But do you want them to voice these opinions at the office? With political sentiments high—and getting higher—one issue that managers face is how to keep the discussions between staff members from becoming heated to the … [Read more...] about Should you put a lid on political talk in the office?
Don’t make the right move for the wrong reasons
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sure you've heard people use expressions like, "it will all come out in the wash." I suspect this phrase is now a bit dated, but the idea is that even if things start in a negative way, they'll be all right in the end. I generally agree with this philosophy, but if you're a medical office manager, it's not a solution I would count on. … [Read more...] about Don’t make the right move for the wrong reasons
Model Policy: Telecommuting
Why you need this policy: You need a policy to protect your medical office from employment law problems and liability when employees work at home. How this policy helps you: This policy will help you set the terms of work at home arrangements so that everyone understands and complies. How to use this policy: Review this tool, adapt it to your organization and insert your … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Telecommuting
Avoid these 4 deadly discrimination traps when hiring or firing
The possibilities of stirring up a discrimination claim when hiring and firing are endless. All that's needed is an assertion, however thin, that the decision was based on some wrongful reason. Here are four areas that can take a manager by surprise. Dear Applicant: You're not hired. First is the letter of rejection the office sends to its turned-down job applicants. Don't … [Read more...] about Avoid these 4 deadly discrimination traps when hiring or firing
Get a grip on costly office gossip
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen No matter how distracting, office gossip is something that no manager will ever completely eradicate. Like other human foibles, it's too ingrained in our systems. That doesn't mean you should ignore it or let it dominate your workplace. Office gossip is increasingly dangerous to many workplaces, including medical offices. It's not that people do it more … [Read more...] about Get a grip on costly office gossip
Old policies can be worse than no policies
By Steve M. Cohen bio Office managers have a great deal of work that is unexciting at best. Topping this list may be updating policies. But with recent court rulings, new regulations, and other changes, it's more than likely that your policies need a bit of updating. It's a mistake to assume that you can "just get by." One error that many make is confusing "policy" … [Read more...] about Old policies can be worse than no policies