Archive for the ‘Law Firm’ Category

By Iain Mackintosh

Poor staff performance and ‘problem workers’ are some of the trickiest things to be dealt with in the office. It’s difficult to balance morale and productivity in the optimum way for office success, and as a result I often hear of managers turning a blind eye to poor staff performance, fearing that drawing attention to it will cause problems in the atmosphere and work environment.

The truth is that avoiding dealing with problem staff is often the worst thing you can do. If you turn a blind eye, the rot can spread to the other apples. If a member of staff is consistently late, for example, and nothing is seen to be done about it, then why should other staff members keep up high standards of timeliness? Inevitably, a rot sets in around the office and poor staff performance becomes the rule rather than the exception! Even if it is something that others are unaware of, like plummeting productivity, it is still something that should be dealt with as soon as you become aware of the issue – intervening in a timely manner will hit the problem on the head early on, and prevent it from spreading and causing resentment and ill feeling. After all, problem employees may not realise they are doing anything wrong unless you intervene, and doing this early can act as a wake-up call to improve staff performance before it’s too late!

So the first step of dealing with problem staff or poor performance is to inform them of the problem. Naturally this should be done in private to avoid shaming them in front of the others (this will cause major resentment), and the issue should be explained clearly so there is no grounds for misunderstanding. If they have a reasonable excuse for a drop in form (severe illness in the family or problems at home) then you should endeavour to be understanding and come up with a compassionate solution – see how you can help the employee return to standard. If they have no reason, you need to reiterate (or in some cases, iterate) clearly what your expectations are from them – after all, if they don’t know what they are it can be impossible for them to be met! If you have a problem employee, you don’t want to wait until their annual review to tell them what goals they should have met!

The next phase is actually helping them to meet your outlined expectations. In the case of something like consistent lateness this is easy to monitor, but with something more abstract – like quantity and quality of work, it’s harder for both you and the employee to keep an eye on things. For this reason, you may need to consider the following things when managing poor performance in your staff:

Plenty of Feedback

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Positive, constructive feedback is a good idea to give your employee an idea of whether they’re heading in the right direction or not. Let them know clearly what’s improved and what still needs to be tightened – it should be specific, detailed and timely.

Possible Supervision

Problem employees often require direction and for employers to work closely with them in order for them to reach their potential. Both parties should understand that this hands on approach to managing poor performance is with the ultimate goal of the employee working competently independently of constant supervision.

Additional Training

In some (but by no means all) situations, the employees underperformance may be through no fault of their own, and they may as a result require extra training in order to reach the standard of skills and competency stipulated in their goals.

Checklists

Depending on the type of problem employee you have, you may find checklists to be of use. These are particularly useful for problem staff who struggle with their timekeeping and priorities, it allows them to stay focused on each task and organise their workload.

Positive Reinforcement

Having already been highlighted for doing something wrong, it is essential you redress the balance when the employee’s performance improves. Positive reinforcement – telling the employee you’re pleased with their work can make someone’s day, improve their happiness at a company and – most importantly – make them more likely to deliver a repeat performance. Let them know that this is the sort of thing you’ve been hoping for.

Set a Period of Evaluation

One of the most important areas of dealing with problem staff is setting a period of evaluation. Put in writing the problem, the improvements you hope to see made, and the timeline for this. Close with the disciplinary actions that will be taken if things are not improved (and maintained) – all the way up to dismissal if there is no improvement.

Whatever you do, don’t just make firing your employees your automatic response to poor staff performance! You need to work with the employees to try and resolve issues, and give them fair warning that their job is in danger, otherwise you are leaving yourself wide open for litigation. It may seem a lot of work, and easier just to let it slide initially, but failure to act early will cause the problem to get worse and worse, and potentially for discontent to spread within the office environment. Follow this procedure when managing poor performance, and there’s no reason why your productivity shouldn’t recover from the slight dip!

About the Author: Iain Mackintosh is the managing director of Simply-Docs. The firm provides over 1100 legal documents and small business templates covering all aspects of business from holiday entitlement to managing poor performance. By providing these legal documents (with content provided by leading commercial lawyers, HR and health & safety consultants) at an affordable price, the company intends to help small businesses

Source: isnare.com

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By Jene Pedder

If youve had an accident whilst in a public environment this could be an uneven pavement and or footpath, a wonky slab, slip, tripped or fallen in a shop, shopping centre, and leisure centre and or a caf or restaurant. If any of these happened to you and youve been injured as a result of the accident in a public place then you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Thousands of people slip, trip or fall every year in public places as its a common accident. Public environments need to prevent his from happening so much by taking into effect their health and safety regulations carefully and not just forgetting what they are and not putting them into action. If you do have an accident in public you should write it in an accident book if there is one. To make a successful compensation claim you will need to prove there liable for your accident. Any public building are bound by law to keep all areas clean, free of obstructions, dry no wet floors if they are wet put down signs and mats if possible and anything else that can make an area unsafe for the public. If the accident is to do with uneven roads, pavements etc. the claim is with the local authority that looks after all roads, pavements in their area.

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To prove the buildings owners or local authority are liable for your public accident you will need to gather any witnesses who saw your accident who will be able to give evidence on what you slipped, tripped or fell over, take photographs especially if the accident was that of an uneven pavement or road this is your proof take photographs of the uneven part as well as the whole road and road name if possible to prove its exactly where you injured yourself.

Its your legal and civil right to claim compensation for something that wasnt your fault but someone elses, in this case this may be a shop owner, building owner or the local authority. You need to be strong and get a good solicitor to help you along the way of claiming the compensation you deserve. You may have not only injured yourself but have had to pay medical costs, had unpaid leave from work meaning loss of earnings as well as any other costs you may have had to pay due to your injury. Get a solicitor who specializes in accidents in public environments, they will then know how to make your case a successful one.

If youre thinking you cant afford a solicitor why not get a solicitor who works on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that you dont have to pay them a penny. They will only take on cases that they think have no chance of failing. If you win your case you still receive your full compensation the solicitor claims there costs for helping you from the losing party and if you lose your case they go away unpaid, thats why if they take you on you have a very good chance of getting the compensation you deserve!

About the Author: Jene Pedder is the Webmaster of Accident Consult who specialize in supporting anyone who has been injured by a

Public Accidents

.

Source:

isnare.com

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By Ryan Paulin

Hiring a financial professional to handle your financial affairs is a major decision that is not to be taken lightly. A lot of factors and considerations will affect in your choice. There are people who in fact choose fee-only financial planners to manage their assets and give investment guidance.

What is a Fee-Only Financial Planner? These are financial planners who charge a specialized fee only for financial planning services and these are paid directly by their clients. They do not receive any additional compensation or commission out of the services that they render.

One of the questions you should ask your fee-only financial planner is the length of time they have been in the business of financial planning. Experience and integrity is very important since the relationship created involves trust and confidence. Knowing the track record and proven competence of your fee-only financial planner is a must. It is also important to find someone who will put your interests ahead of their own so find someone without any conflict-of-interest with any company.

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Academic and professional competence of a fee-only financial adviser is important since this will affect the outcome of his or her advice. This will also affect the quality of service that they will provide for you. Also, the more experienced the financial planner is the better since they will be less likely to be shaken by rough times and have more knowledge in fixing particular problems in the business.

The primary job of a fee-only financial planner is to come up with a long term investment strategy. He or she has to make sure that this plan will be properly implemented so the next question you have to ask is his or her qualification to get the job done. Inquire about his or her academic qualifications, credentials and licenses if there is any. Ask if they can handle pressure under good and bad economic times. Demand for a copy of their ADV Form II to see if they have been sanctioned in the past or given any disciplinary action in relation to their work.

Another important question is the mode of compensation they expect from you. How are they compensated? This is vital in determining whether or not you can afford their services or if you will be comfortable with the payment set-up. Fee-only financial planners are more likely to give you sound and impartial advice since they are paid regardless of your choice of investor. Those who are commissioned based may have a conflict of interest and may not give you the financial advice that you need.

You should also ask regarding the services the fee-only financial planner is willing to provide. Is he or she adept with tax laws and regulations? Can he or she provide complex advice involving various financial issues? As your wealth grows the management of your assets becomes more complicated. Finding someone who can multi-task might be a good option for you.

Ask also for licenses and certifications. Planners need to be registered in accordance with state and federal laws. Check out if your fee-only financial planner meets the qualifications set by your own state.

About the Author: Are you looking for more information regarding Fee Only Financial Planner? Visit financialplanners.net today!

Source: isnare.com

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In a path breaking solution to all prostate gland related urological problems, Sagar Hospitals brings to Bangalore the world’s most advanced, breakthrough, out-patient Laser procedure for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate experienced by most men after the age of fifty.

GreenLight PVP™, or Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate, is unlike any other enlarged prostate treatment, since it combines the effectiveness of an invasive surgical procedure with the safety and ease of a minimally invasive treatment. The GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure has been proven safe, effective and durable in clinical studies conducted over a five-year period at many leading medical institutions across the world.

Announcing the launch of the new technology, Dr. Hemachandra Sagar, Chairman, Sagar Hospitals Bangalore said, “We are extremely delighted to bring the world’s best and latest technology for the treatment of prostate related problems in India. The Institute will not only provide succor to the people suffering from prostate disease, but is the most modern centre offering complete urological solutions.” Choosing a BPH treatment involves careful consideration to determine if the treatment is safe, effective in relieving symptoms and restoring urine flow, long-lasting and easy to tolerate. The most commonly available treatments all require the patient to make significant compromises in these areas. Drug therapy provides some symptom relief but requires a daily commitment to medication, is costly and likely to fail over time. Conventional surgery in the form of Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) of Holmium enucleation prostate (HOLEP) have proven to be effective treatment for BPH, but are associated with higher risks and complications, such as impotence, incontinence and the need for blood transfusions, as well as a prolonged catheterization and a 4-6 week recovery period. In contrast, most minimally invasive heat treatments offer reduced risks and also reduced efficacy and delayed symptom relief for several weeks following treatment. With the GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure, BPH patients no longer need to compromise the effectiveness or the safety of treatment. The GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure is a true treatment solution, not just a step in the management of BPH.Dr. Dilip Dhanpal, Senior Urologist, Sagar Hospitals said, “Urology has always been the most techno-intensive medical discipline. The GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure is the latest technological innovation in the treatment of prostate gland enlargements. As a practicing specialist trained on this new technique, I find it to be a quick and bloodless operation as compared to the existing option of TURP (Transurethral Resection Prostate) or the Holmium Laser Enucleation Prostate (HOLEP) and an efficient, cost effective, complication free procedure beneficial to the patient. It is an ideal procedure for high risk patients such as cardiac patients and patients on anticoagulants.” Prostate is an integral part of the reproductive system for men, providing the fluid necessary to transport sperm during ejaculation. However, as men age, the prostate gland can be a source of problem, consequent to an increases in size. Prostate enlargement is a condition that causes urinary problems in nearly half of all men over the age of 50, and that percentage increases with age. By the age of 80, nearly 80% of all men suffer from BPH symptoms. Although BPH is the most common health problem for men in this age group, there is a lack of awareness and understanding about the condition, symptoms, treatment solutions and overall health risks with delayed treatment.

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Dr. Mahmood A. Hai, MD, Oakwood Annapolis Hospital, USA, said, “BPH can have devastating effects on the quality of one’s life, ranging from disturbed sleep, to avoiding going out in public places, for fear of inability to hold urine. While BPH may be as common as getting gray hair, or needing reading glasses, men can now choose to do something about it. The GreenLight PVP™ Laser Procedure offers patients a surgery that is safe, totally effective, with lasting relief in symptoms. My patients have reported that they have a whole new lease on life, and can once again enjoy things many of us take for granted; such as going out to eat, or to the movies, or playing golf.” “Unlike other BPH treatments, the GreenLight PVP™ Laser Procedure offers immediate relief in symptoms with minimal pain and results that are better than traditional TURP or HOLEP surgery,” said Dr. Hai.

With the breakthrough GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure at Sagar Hospital, Bangalore men suffering from enlarged prostate in their 50s and above, will witness unparalleled clinical endpoints, immediate and dramatic relief of symptoms, no catheterization in many cases, very short outpatient procedure and short convalescence.

In addition, Sagar Hospitals also offers comprehensive treatment solutions in Urology for stone disease, urinary incontinence, male infertility and erectile dysfunction and urological cancer using state of the art equipment.

Article Source: sooperarticles.com/health-fitness-articles/hospitals-articles/india-offers-latest-technology-bloodless-laser-prostate-surgery-832.html

About Author:

— Jineesh Paul, India. Mob: – +91 9961646360 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +91 9961646360      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Email: – jineeshp@gmail.comAuthor: Paul