You’ve probably dealt with it more than once: that one employee who always seems to stroll in 10, 15, or even 30 minutes late. Not just once in a while—but regularly. It throws off team dynamics, irritates coworkers, and sends the message that punctuality is optional. The trick is handling it without creating unnecessary drama—or letting it slide until it becomes a major … [Read more...] about How to Handle Chronically Late Staffers Without Losing Your Cool
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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 “FYI—our ticket system’s outdated.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
Wide Awake and Working (in Your Head)? Here’s How to Power Down for Real
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
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
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
Banish Bad Passwords
One of the simplest—and most overlooked—security threats in any office is weak passwords. They might seem harmless, but bad passwords are like leaving the front door unlocked. All it takes is one compromised login to give hackers access to sensitive data, client information, or internal systems. The good news? It’s one of the easiest problems to fix. It starts with … [Read more...] about Banish Bad Passwords
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
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