By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm disappointed, but not surprised by many reactions to Caitlyn (formerly Bruce) Jenner's recent revelation. I am not transgender, but I am concentrating on this population because, along with others, I see the transgender population as representing the next frontier in social justice. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but in the … [Read more...] about What are the rights of transgender employees?
Managing staff
Electronic cigarettes: why your practice needs a “vaping” policy now
Your employment policies address cigarettes, and so you think you have the smoking issue covered. Well, think again. Electronic cigarettes have created new challenges for employers. Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, first became available in the United States in 2006 and have grown in popularity. Designed to look like cigarettes, they are battery-powered … [Read more...] about Electronic cigarettes: why your practice needs a “vaping” policy now
Stupidity outside of work
By Steve M. Cohen bio I often end up addressing some of the sadder aspects of human behavior in and around the workplace. I have frequently been called by clients to help deal with issues such as sexual harassment and bullying, an employee who uses the n-word at work and someone who gets so drunk after work that they become incredibly obnoxious in public. … [Read more...] about Stupidity outside of work
Managing a multi-generational medical office staff
What's with all the bickering in the office? People, people, can't we all just get along? Although you may never totally eliminate office conflict, managing with attention to generational differences can go a long way toward creating a more harmonious and more productive workplace. By the numbers Cut-off dates for generations differ, but Neil Howe and William Strauss, who … [Read more...] about Managing a multi-generational medical office staff
How to manage personal cell phone use in the workplace
"Like many offices, we have had problems with employees using cell phones for personal calls, texts, etc. during business hours," says Beverly Bragg, administrator at San Antonio Preventive & Diagnostic Medicine. It hasn't been an easy problem to resolve. "Although we've talked about this issue on a routine basis at our monthly staff meetings, employees continued to use … [Read more...] about How to manage personal cell phone use in the workplace
How to put a fast stop to a staffer’s anger
Hidden in every manager's job description is the dreaded duty of handling complaints from staffers—sometimes angry staffers. It's just a matter of knowing what to say and how to say it. Stopping anger in its tracks Managers' most common responses to conflict are the two worst responses. One is the response of being confrontational, dominating, sarcastic, hostile, and … [Read more...] about How to put a fast stop to a staffer’s anger
Formal complaints change everything, including your job
By Steve M. Cohen bio I am often surprised how managers are still surprised when an employee complaint becomes a major workplace or even a courtroom issue. One manager even complained, "They're trying to make a federal case out of it!" Actually, many employee complaints literally are federal cases. And if not federal, they may involve state agencies with strong … [Read more...] about Formal complaints change everything, including your job
Caitlyn Jenner raises awareness, questions about transgender people
Olympic gold medalist and reality television personality Bruce Jenner has become Caitlyn Jenner. Jenner's transition has been well documented by the media, culminating in a photo of Caitlyn on the cover of Vanity Fair. Although her journey has been more public than most, Jenner's story is not unique. It is estimated that 700,000 people in the United States are transgender, … [Read more...] about Caitlyn Jenner raises awareness, questions about transgender people
Model Policy: Patient scheduling and appointments
Why you need this policy: Getting patients to properly make and honor their appointments is a challenge faced by just about all practices. Although no-shows, walk-ins, and late appointments can’t totally be prevented, establishing a clear set of ground rules for the making and keeping of appointments can minimize them and establish your right to charge fees and take other … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Patient scheduling and appointments
Clichés aside, don’t cross ethical lines
By Steve M. Cohen bio Many of our most difficult decisions come down to ethics, and some of the most difficult ethical decisions are doubly difficult because they seem so ordinary. But no matter the external trappings, you should always use caution with ethical packages because they usually contain serious potential. One of my clients experienced a classic … [Read more...] about Clichés aside, don’t cross ethical lines