Page 208 - An Indispensible Resource for Being a Credible Activist

possible and continue to invite cooperation instead of competitiveness. With people who are
stuck in this kind of dynamic, you will need to always have proof of research you’ve done
on recommendations you make, as you will likely be challenged.

HUMOR GUIDELINES

The HR Tool entitled “Healing Humor Guidelines,” on page 200, are from Laughing Matters
by Joel Goodman. These useful guidelines can be presented to employees during orientation
as part of a focus on corporate culture, they can be rolled out to all employees as a monthly
theme, or they can even be made into enforced policy. The benefits of making policy around
humor are great. We know that not all employees have the same understanding of what is
and is not appropriate humor for the workplace. We also know that when policies are clearly
presented and enforced, employees will take them seriously.
By implementing a policy that uses healthy humor, you create a firewall that forces
employees to stop short of inappropriate behavior before they approach the danger zone of
EEO issues. Doing so also makes employees feel confident that they can work in an envi-
ronment of dignity, respect, and security. As we know, such an environment contributes to
productivity, effectiveness, and equanimity. Also consider distributing a memo, as shown
in the HR Tool entitled “Sample Memo on Healthy Humor,” on page 201, to encourage this
culture.

TECHNOLOGY AWARENESS ALL HR PROFESSIONALS
AND MANAGERS SHOULD HAVE

Using all caps in the entirety of an e-mail is construed as “yelling.” Most people know this
by now. Using all caps to emphasize a word or phrase, however, is not considered yelling
and is considered emphasis—unless there is an exclamation point after it and it is in an e-
mail message as opposed to an announcement or presentation. So make sure you are not
typing in all caps.
Poor spelling and grammar should not be used by an HR person. Actually, everyone
should carefully proofread their writing, but the sad reality is that many people, even those
with high school and college degrees, don’t have an understanding of correct spelling or gram-
mar. An HR person is an office worker and must be able to spell well and use grammar prop-
erly. Spelling correctly extends to people’s names as well. Do pay attention to these things.
Here are some e-mail tips and usage guidelines for more effective messages.

❱❱ WHO?

● Make sure you send the e-mail only to those persons who need to receive it.
● Be sure to copy those who need to be copied.
● Keep in mind what kind of issue it is. Does it go to your supervisor? Accounting? HR?
Many departments? All managers? All staff?

CHAPTER 12 • Make Sure You Are Not Par t of the Problem 191