By Lynne Curry At 2:38 a.m., Dave lies in bed, wide-eyed and wired. His inbox scrolls across his brain like a breaking news ticker: the half-baked budget draft, the client who’s ghosting, the slap-down from his boss in Monday’s staff meeting. He’s tried everything to fix his workday-fueled insomnia—melatonin, chamomile tea, melatonin, sleep podcasts, magnesium, and even … [Read more...] about Wide Awake and Working (in Your Head)? Here’s How to Power Down for Real
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Delegation Done Right: Free Up Your Time and Empower Your Team
Effective delegation is a cornerstone of successful office management. It involves assigning tasks and responsibilities to team members, allowing you to focus on higher-level priorities while empowering your staff and enhancing overall productivity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to delegating responsibilities effectively in your role as an office manager. Understand … [Read more...] about Delegation Done Right: Free Up Your Time and Empower Your Team
Give Your Employees a True Holiday Break—Shut Down
By Lynne Curry Question: This morning, I suggested to my husband that we temporarily shut our small business down over the holidays to give our employees a much-needed break. He just laughed, but I was serious. We’re not a retail operation, so we’re not selling anything, and most of our clients are as swamped as we are. We argued. He angrily reminded me I’d also … [Read more...] about Give Your Employees a True Holiday Break—Shut Down
Revenue Beyond the Obvious: Finding New Income Streams in Your Office
When you think of profit, you probably think about cutting costs or increasing efficiency—and those are great strategies. But there’s another side to the equation that office managers sometimes overlook: generating new income. Even if your office doesn’t directly sell a product or service, there are often hidden opportunities to bring in extra revenue. With a little creativity … [Read more...] about Revenue Beyond the Obvious: Finding New Income Streams in Your Office
How to Track Employee Hours: A Guide for Office Managers
Keeping track of employee hours might not be the most glamorous part of your job, but it’s one of the most important. Whether you're managing a bustling office or a small, hybrid team, accurate time tracking keeps payroll on target, ensures compliance, and gives you visibility into how your team spends their time. The good news? There are more options than ever to make this … [Read more...] about How to Track Employee Hours: A Guide for Office Managers
The Adaptive Manager: Thriving in Every Situation
Your role is a balancing act, juggling multiple responsibilities while ensuring everything runs smoothly. One of the key elements to mastering this role is adaptability. The ability to adjust to different situations as you build your management style will set you apart as an effective and respected leader. Here’s how you can hone this crucial skill. Embrace Flexibility In … [Read more...] about The Adaptive Manager: Thriving in Every Situation
The Business Impact of Immigration Raids: How to Plan for Staff Shortages and Operational Disruptions
Immigration enforcement activity can create ripple effects far beyond the headlines. For office managers in any industry, it’s important to recognize that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids and related activity may directly or indirectly impact your staff. Even if your team members are not personally targeted, fear and uncertainty can lead to sudden absenteeism, … [Read more...] about The Business Impact of Immigration Raids: How to Plan for Staff Shortages and Operational Disruptions
The Heroine with a Headcount: Handling the Disruption Diva
By Lynne Curry Question: We thought we’d hit the jackpot when we hired “Sonali.” She possessed all the right skills, and her interview dazzled. My manager said, “I love her fresh thinking. Keep her happy; we need her.” The trouble surfaced in week three. Sonali pinged me on Slack. “FYI—our ticket system’s outdated. I built a new one in Notion. Should triple … [Read more...] about The Heroine with a Headcount: Handling the Disruption Diva
How to Implement a Leave Donation Program for Disasters
When one staff member faces a serious personal crisis—a medical emergency, natural disaster, or family tragedy—it often sends ripples through the whole office. Colleagues want to help, but don’t always know how. A leave donation program can offer a practical and compassionate way for staff to support each other during tough times by voluntarily donating their unused paid leave … [Read more...] about How to Implement a Leave Donation Program for Disasters
Insecure Boss Treats Me Like a Threat
By Lynne Curry Question: I work for a general manager who’s brilliant with code and clueless about people. He bristles at feedback, shuts down suggestions, and appears threatened by the fact that I managed a team with my prior employer. He ices me out in meetings and sidelines me every chance he gets. I like my job, but I’m considering quitting. Why do so many … [Read more...] about Insecure Boss Treats Me Like a Threat