Your role often calls for a mix of organization, leadership, and adaptability. But to truly shine in your position, tapping into your creative side can set you apart. Creativity isn't just for artists or marketing teams—it's a tool you can use to tackle challenges, improve processes, and inspire your team. Here are six ways to harness creativity in your office management … [Read more...] about Thinking Outside the Desk: Creative Problem-Solving Strategies for Office Managers
Managing staff
How to Handle Chronically Late Staffers Without Losing Your Cool
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
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 “FYI—our ticket system’s outdated.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
July Is a Great Month To… Catch Up, Clean Up, and Level Up Your Office
Let’s face it—July has a different rhythm. Projects slow down, coworkers and clients go on vacation, and the usual hustle eases up just a bit. Instead of seeing it as a slow month, see it as a golden opportunity. July is a great time to take a step back, tackle what’s been sitting on the back burner, and prepare your team (and your space) for a strong finish to the year. Here … [Read more...] about July Is a Great Month To… Catch Up, Clean Up, and Level Up Your Office
How to Delegate Without Micromanaging
If you’ve ever handed off a task only to feel your fingers twitching with the urge to take it back, you’re not alone. Delegation can be tricky, especially when you're used to being in control or when the stakes feel high. But there’s a sweet spot between giving your team freedom and staying in the loop—and that’s where the magic of good supervision happens. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about How to Delegate Without Micromanaging
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
Create Your Own Key Contacts Cheat Sheet
When things go sideways in the office—a printer meltdown, a flooded bathroom, or a sudden software crash—you don’t want to waste time digging through old emails or shared drives to find the right person to call. That’s where your Key Contacts Cheat Sheet comes in. Think of this as your office emergency contact list and your daily go-to. Whether you’re onboarding a new team … [Read more...] about Create Your Own Key Contacts Cheat Sheet
Build a Knowledge Base for Your Administrative Staff
Imagine your best admin suddenly goes on vacation—or worse, leaves the company. Do others know how to handle the daily reports, book the conference room correctly, or reset the temperamental copier? If the answer is “not really,” it’s time to create a knowledge base. A knowledge base is like a digital playbook. It’s where you store and organize the most important information … [Read more...] about Build a Knowledge Base for Your Administrative Staff
Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to get swept up in the to-do lists, reports, scheduling, and troubleshooting that fill an office manager’s day. You’re juggling a hundred moving pieces, and just getting through the day without a printer jam or a staff meltdown feels like a win. But amid the whirlwind, there’s one small habit that can make a big difference—for morale, for relationships, and even for … [Read more...] about Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think