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
Managing staff
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
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
Top Metrics to Measure and Improve Employee Performance
One of your key responsibilities is to ensure that your team operates at peak performance. But how do you measure something as nuanced as employee performance? The key lies in identifying the right metrics—ones that give you actionable insights without becoming overly burdensome to track. Once you have these metrics in place, you can use them to guide improvements and help your … [Read more...] about Top Metrics to Measure and Improve Employee Performance
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
How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Staff scheduling can feel like a never-ending puzzle—one where the pieces keep shifting, employees swap shifts last minute, and unexpected absences throw everything off balance. No matter what industry you’re in, managing schedules effectively is crucial to keeping operations running smoothly and maintaining team morale. If you’re tired of constant scheduling headaches, here’s … [Read more...] about How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Cheat Sheet: Quick Conflict Resolution
Workplace conflicts happen—it’s just part of working with people. As an office manager, you’re often the go-to person for keeping things from boiling over and helping everyone get back on the same page. Whether it’s a disagreement between coworkers, frustration over office policies, or just a simple miscommunication, knowing how to step in the right way can make a big … [Read more...] about Cheat Sheet: Quick Conflict Resolution
How to Set Clear Roles and Responsibilities in a Small Office
When you work in a one- to three-person office, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “We’re so small — we all just pitch in and do whatever needs doing.” While pitching in is great, relying on that mindset alone can lead to confusion, frustration, and, frankly, a lot of things slipping through the cracks. Setting clear roles and responsibilities isn't just for big … [Read more...] about How to Set Clear Roles and Responsibilities in a Small Office