By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm surprised at how often business owners and managers see office efficiency and personnel management as separate issues. Clearly, there are workflow designs or equipment issues that can make or break an organization and are not directly related to personnel. But like most workplaces, medical offices and their efficiency are usually a … [Read more...] about Unexpected issues can impact medical office efficiency
Termination
Five dangers in dealing with harassment claims
As with firing, the rules for handling sexual harassment claims are well known, yet employers still make mistakes, says management consultant Joseph Godwin of F&H Solutions Group in Asheville, NC. Here are five areas that warrant attention. 1. No, it’s not sour grapes Don’t dismiss any complaint, particularly one from a fired or demoted employee, as sour grapes or a lame … [Read more...] about Five dangers in dealing with harassment claims
Office efficiency, profit often depend on surprising issues
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Once upon a time, medical offices could count on such a solid, even lucrative income stream that some minor problems, even considerable costs, could be accepted. That's not been true for a long time. Increasingly complex and intrusive regulation, rising insurance costs, and an increasingly litigious environment are now accompanied by reduced and delayed … [Read more...] about Office efficiency, profit often depend on surprising issues
What to do when a doctor harasses staffers but no one complains
Q: One of our doctors continuously makes inappropriate remarks to the staff. He thinks the remarks are funny. The staff don't complain, but what's said is obviously inappropriate. Everyone likes the doctor, and the other doctors want to keep him on staff. They have counseled him, but he continues. What should we do? A: No office can afford to turn a blind eye to sexual … [Read more...] about What to do when a doctor harasses staffers but no one complains
Missing the small things can cause big problems
By Steve M. Cohen bio Medical office managers have an unusually wide range of demands, and it's easy, even necessary to keep an eye on the big picture. But sometimes elements that aren't especially strategic can still have major ramifications. Here are a few areas that I've seen cause some big problems. • Lack of written directions and policies, or … [Read more...] about Missing the small things can cause big problems
Easy answers to 5 tough questions managers often face
Here are the answers to five individual questions managers often encounter. They are outlined by attorney Shari L. Lane of Northwest Employment Law in Portland, OR. Changing the face of the job 1. Can the office require an employee to take on a different work schedule or move to another location? What if it affects the employee's child care or family responsibility … [Read more...] about Easy answers to 5 tough questions managers often face
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
Is that resume a sham? Is that job candidate lying?
Here's how to find out Estimates are that as many as 50% of job applicants lie on their resumes. It may not be possible to pinpoint the lies, but it is possible to identify the liars, says one professional sleuth. He is Jamie Richardson of Mission Possible Investigations in Albany, NY, which provides investigative services to law enforcement and businesses. Here he lays out a … [Read more...] about Is that resume a sham? Is that job candidate lying?
Model Policy: Workplace bullying
Why you need this policy: Workplace bullying is a serious and common occurrence, and your practice has a responsibility to make sure it does everything possible to prevent it. How this policy helps you: This policy helps define workplace bullying, and provides guidelines for what will not be tolerated. How to use this policy: Customize this policy for your medical … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Workplace bullying