HR Soapbox - Recycle Every Day, Not Just On Earth Day

April 19, 2007

Volume 6, Number 12

In This Issue... RECYCLE EVERY DAY, NOT JUST ON EARTH DAY

Beware: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is not only going after employers, but the individual executives and managers who actually hire illegal workers are also being held accountable.

Complete I-9 Compliance Kit

Pages: 60+ • Price: $99.00 • Format: I-9 records binder
with storage tabs, print manual, & interactive CD

The Kit gives you all the step-by-step guidance, forms, and tools you need in order to fill out, retain, reverify, and destroy Form I-9 in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) and includes:

I-9 completion and record-keeping guidance
Interactive I-9 audit form
I-9 storage binder with tabs
FAQs

Don't risk costly fines or criminal charges! Order a review copy today!

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RECYCLE EVERY DAY, NOT JUST ON EARTH DAY

Earth Day on April 22 got me thinking about recycling. My husband and I are generally good about recycling paper, plastic, glass, and tin. (I admit it, though, every once in a while some junk mail or a can makes its way into the regular trashcan.)

Fortunately for me, I work for an organization that encourages — and has even furthered — my at-home habits. I've been with AHI going on eight years now and in that time have learned some valuable recycling lessons, many thanks to a retired colleague.

1. Look before you drop...trash in the trashcan, that is. Equip each workspace with at least two wastebaskets or small trashcans. One for paper and one for non-recyclables. In a centrally located kitchen or break room, house a larger receptacle for glass, tin, and cans, as well as one for non-recyclables.

2. Clip, then unclip. Instead of tossing away paperclips along with the "to be disposed of" documents to which they are attached, save them. Store the rescued clips in the supply room.

3. Reach for the rescued clips, not the stapler. Avoid stapling, unless essential. Reason: It's easier to make copies of these papers, if necessary, because you don't have to first remove the staple or rip it off.

4. It's the same inside and out. Turn file folders inside out and reuse. Doing so will give you a clean tab on which to write. When both tabs are written on, use a self-adhesive label to cover the existing text. This allows you to use the same folder four distinct times. Even more, if you pile adhesive label on top of adhesive label. Better yet: Use a pencil to write on the tab. Then all you have to do is erase.

5. Don't dispose until both sides are dirty. Designate one drawer of the photocopier as scrap paper. In this drawer, place discarded 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper that are "clean" on one side. Be sure these sheets of papers are free from staples, paperclips, and confidential data. Use this drawer when photocopying informal information internally.

6. Size matters. When you need to use a sticky note to flag a page, for example, and only have the 3" x 3" notes on hand, cut it down to size. A 1" x 3" note grabs the eye's attention just as much as the bigger note would.

Good luck, stay legal, and remember to recycle!

Melissa V. Pomerantz
Editor

READERS GET ON THE SOAPBOX

Here's what readers had to say in response to last month's issue on:
BOYS WILL BE BOYS, UNLESS THEY'RE GUYS...THEN THEY COULD BE GIRLS

Thanks to everyone for their overwhelming feedback! We simply don't have the space to include all of the comments received, so we've tried to include those comments that best represent the opinions shared. Thanks again and keep your comments coming!

"Guys" and "girls" are not terms that are offensive to me, in fact, being over 50, being called a girl is somewhat flattering to me! I understand that people dislike the use of "boy," as many people use it to demean, not just racially, but to indicate that the user has authority. I have heard it used in that manner, and it is very demeaning because of the inflection and tone of voice used.
Easy to see you're not a Southerner, where y'all is the preferred group term. Also, being from the south, I expect to get a "yes ma'am" from any child to whom I address a question. I was getting "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am" from my nieces and nephews when I was 17 years old, the age they began talking! Honey, you're never too young to get a respectful "yes ma'am"! If it was good enough for your mama, it's good enough for you.
I just had to write in response to the "Boys will be boys..." editorial. I was shocked to hear such an unprofessional outlook on the whole "guys" grouping. No, I do not appreciate being referred to a guy because I am not one. I am a lady, a woman, even a girl before I am a guy. If someone is not considerate enough to respect my gender, I will call them on it. I am sure it would not go over well if you referred to a group of men as "gals." Think about it, obtain some professionalism, and move on. Also, no one calls me (or and other woman) "girlie" in my workplace. That is completely inappropriate. Someone has to take a long hard look at your work environment and cultivate some changes to your culture.
We'll never learn to play well together if we take so much time to investigate the meaning behind a friendly "hey guys, ready for lunch?" However, I do find it inappropriate when people refer to a group (regardless of gender mix) as "you guys." For example, "I'd be happy to answer any question you guys may have." Perhaps it's an age thing…What happened to "I'd be happy to answer any question you may have."
Ever since this whole PC thing got started, it has become almost impossible to say anything without offending someone. I recall once when I was teaching a grad course to MBA students, and people had not settled down after returning from break and were still talking after class was supposed to have resumed. To get their attention, and to try to do it humorously while calling attention to their childish behavior, I dredged up something from my remote past and said something like, "Okay all you boys and girls out there in the peanut gallery. It's Howdy Doody time again." Somebody filed a complaint against me for that...<sigh>...not sure exactly what piece they were objecting to. Fortunately the campus director, upon hearing what I said, just laughed and said don't worry about it.
I just read the "guys" editorial...so confusingly true! Why does the term "lady" offend you? I've thought it to be a compliment! But, a few months ago, when I did a training program, I referred to the all female group as "ladies" as in "Ok ladies, let's get back in session." During the second break, one of the females informed me that she was highly offended to be referred to as a lady. By the way — I'm a female.....

Editor's note: I am not offended by being called a lady...just when someone facetiously implies that I am not one. (And I'm not even truly offended by that.)
Actually, I have strong feelings about women being called "girls," since the practice originated with the understanding/expectation that women could be treated less professionally than men. In my opinion, in the workplace, the only time that women should be called "girls" is when it is also appropriate for men to be called "boys." In my experience, that is quite often the case with dancers, who often refer to one another as "girls" and "boys." Other than that, if we are talking about adults we are talking about women and men. I do agree with you that no once should ever call me "ma'am." Yick!

Note: Responses may have been edited for clarity and length.

Review past issues of HR Soapbox here.

TOP 5 RESOURCES FOR HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS

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AHI's Complete Employee Termination Kit

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Complete Personnel
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Employer's Guide To Record- Keeping Requirements

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Employee Problem Solver

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