Management

A new study estimates that nearly two-thirds of Facebook users access the site at work. On average, they spend 15 minutes on the site during work hours, and the electronic back-and-forth could represent as much as 1.5% of an employer's productivity losses. The good news: You can stop it.

A progressive discipline system is the best way to correct employee performance problems. It's also the best way to protect against wrongful termination lawsuits. It allows you to ensure that any employee fired because of inferior performance was treated fairly and in accordance with your company's policies. Here's a five-step model for progressive discipline:

Benefits consultant Ken Stahlmann spells out three keys to creating crowd-pleasing employee-recognition awards:

Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea, soon found that he had no sounding board. But when the Aspen Institute chose him for a leadership program, Goldman found the outlet he needed. Here's what he did—and what you can re-create:

It's no picnic when you have to fire people for poor performance. Wayne Downing, a retired four-star general who ran the U.S. Army Special Forces, says you've got to do it. His advice:

Almost half of executives say that employees would be more productive if their companies banned meetings one day a week, according to a recent survey by OfficeTeam. That may be the case, but administrative assistants say meetings are still very much a part of every day—to a fault. How are admins taming the meeting madness?

Somehow, Walt Disney's toy division, run by Chris Heatherly and Len Mazzocco, churns out scores of innovative new toys every six months. What's their magic? Their continuous innovation hinges on a systematic brainstorming and prototyping process that works like this:

Have you ever felt that punch-to-the-stomach feeling of clicking "Send and realizing you blasted an e-mail to the wrong person? As the CEO in the following case learned, one misguided e-mail mixed with some poor judgment can stir up a potent legal stew …

Q. The employment and noncompete agreements we have with our salespeople are several years old and appear outdated to me. May I require everyone to sign new, updated agreements?

If you procrastinate, you're stealing time that could help you ace your work. This quiz will help you tell if procrastination is hampering your effectiveness:

Since people are so concerned about their jobs, they may be trying to eavesdrop to find out their job status. Ease employees' concerns by using these simple steps.

Some people can take constructive criticism very well, but others cannot. Learn how to deal with those employees who feel like you are attacking them with critiques.

Do you feel like there is always a birthday or baby shower that you are being asked to help pay for in your office? Follow these office etiquette rules to avoid breaking the bank.

Being a good leader isn't always easy and sometimes you have to make difficult decisions. See how some leaders were able to successfully bring their companies to the top.

It is almost inevitable that at one point or another one of your employees will blog about your company. Avoid a blogging debacle by creating some guidelines for employees.

Underperforming workers can be very frustrating to deal with. Use these tips to motivate your underperforming worker.

If your company is on a budget, then try these tricks to get more, but pay nothing.

Don't be embarrassed to ask for ideas. Use this advice to step up innovation and satisfaction.

Dress codes can be very difficult. To avoid confusion and stress, make a specific set of dress guidelines that can be followed by employees.

Reward your employees with something that they desire. See what is number one their wish list