When Audrey M. Serban gives her staff members rewards for work done well, she can be sure the reward is something the employee will like. This is because she has a list of "favorites" for each staffer, and chooses the gift, large or small, from it. Serban, manager for a professional office in New Jersey, says, "I thought I'd share an idea that seems to work great. I created a … [Read more...] about ‘Favorites’ list source of popular employee rewards
Managing staff
Model Policy: Jewelry and tattoos
Why you need this model policy: This model jewelry and tattoos policy establishes guidelines for staff wearing jewelry or displaying tattoos. How this model policy helps you: This policy recognizes the value of personal self expression and establishes parameters for when personal appearance enhanced by jewelry or tattoos exceeds appropriate and reasonable workplace … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Jewelry and tattoos
Don’t take anything for granted
By Steve M. Cohen bio Both managers and employees should keep in mind that taking things for granted is usually a mistake. Although the psychology is fascinating, from a workplace perspective a key point is that you shouldn't dismiss something unless you're absolutely sure you have a replacement. That goes for a job, and it goes for good employees. Neither … [Read more...] about Don’t take anything for granted
Staff and remote access: more than patient information is at risk
Mobile technology, arguably, allows for greater efficiency and better communication. But, for the manager of a medical office, it also creates challenges. Staff who work remotely, even occasionally, may inadvertently share confidential information via unsecure networks when using smartphones and tablets, as well as personal laptops and notebook computers. Patient … [Read more...] about Staff and remote access: more than patient information is at risk
Your office’s social media policy: dangerous if not done right
By Paul Edwards bio Many medical practices don't realize their social media policy is a crisis waiting to happen. In three recent, real-life cases, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found employers' actions to be unlawful when they disciplined or terminated employees who did the following: Employee A: Used a social media account to accuse the … [Read more...] about Your office’s social media policy: dangerous if not done right
Handling an “office sniper”
By Steve M. Cohen bio How do you stop the staff member who is rude and undermining? This is a surprisingly widespread problem with several variations. It's important that managers are prepared to deal with it, including cases where the opposition is not so obvious. One example involves an "office sniper." Snipers stay in hiding. They criticize the manager in a … [Read more...] about Handling an “office sniper”
Grief in termination is real
By Steve M. Cohen bio Unfortunately, you sometimes have to terminate someone. It's also unfortunate that this sometimes doesn't go well. That results in significant stress and related problems on both sides. Fortunately, an awareness of the emotional impact of termination can help you work with the soon-to-be terminated employee to make parting, and any … [Read more...] about Grief in termination is real
Model Policy: Computer use and social networking
Why you need this policy: The law governing your right to discipline employees for the things they say on blogs and social networks is still in its infancy stages. But even from the early cases, it has become clear that online conversations are not simply private matters. There’s a big difference between bad-mouthing a company, supervisor or colleague to a friend over coffee … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Computer use and social networking
When to call an HR expert for help
As a medical office manager, you typically handle day-to-day human resources responsibilities and likely feel comfortable in this role, at least most of the time. Yet, there are times when expert assistance would be welcomed or even seems required. The question is: How do you know when you need the help of an expert? Going it alone Among the various HR responsibilities, several … [Read more...] about When to call an HR expert for help
The 8 best management tips from our readers
Managing the people with their problems and personalities is the most formidable part of a medical office manager's job. So here for our readers is a long list of ways to make the job easier. They come from the many consultants and managers MOM has talked with over the years. 1 Hiring the right people Interview tactics Before hiring a job applicant, look carefully at two … [Read more...] about The 8 best management tips from our readers