Page 218 - An Indispensible Resource for Being a Credible Activist

SAMPLE MEMO ON HEALTHY HUMOR

On letterhead, in interoffice memo format, or via e-mail
To: Your Supervisor
From: Your Name
Date:
Re.: Recommendation Regarding “Healthy Humor” Policy
I recommend that (Company) implement a “Healthy Humor” Policy by mandating an annual
hour-long training for all staff and presenting a written policy, along with the attached chart
by Joel Goodman, Ph.D. I would be happy to design and present this training, which would
simply explain the differences between each example of healthy and unhealthy humor and
elaborate upon the many ways in which unhealthy humor is destructive at the workplace. I
can provide you with a training draft for review within two weeks if you have no objections.
The benefits of implementing a policy around healthy humor using guidelines such as these
are that a firewall is created that forces employees to stop short of inappropriate behavior
before they even approach the danger zone of EEO issues and that employees feel confi-
dent that they can work in an environment of dignity, respect, and security. As we know,
such an environment contributes to productivity, effectiveness, and equanimity.
We also know from research in the emotional intelligence field that both emotions and
conflict can be highly contagious and that unhealthy humor will only encourage the
spread of destructive emotions and lateral conflict among employees, which ultimately
adversely affects communication, collaboration, cooperation, teamwork, and efficiency.
This policy would also support a code of conduct and an anti-bullying policy, thus rein-
forcing a psychologically, emotionally, and physically safe workplace for all employees.
I look forward to rolling out this important improvement to (Company)’s corporate cul-
ture and I would appreciate your support to ensure that this important new policy is con-
sistently and soundly enforced.

SAMPLE MEMO VIA E-MAIL

To: HR Assistant (Person’s Name)
From: Your Name
Date:
Re.: Acronyms in Communications with Company Staff
Please keep in mind that most (Company) staff don’t understand the many acronyms for
HR technical terms as we do. Please be sure to spell out the acronym the first time you
use it in any communication with an employee.
Thank you,
Your Name
Title

CHAPTER 12 • Make Sure You Are Not Par t of the Problem 201