In This Issue...BUSINESS HELPS THE GULF COAST BOUNCE BACK AFTER KATRINA
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BUSINESS HELPS THE GULF COAST BOUNCE BACK AFTER KATRINA
It's usual for HR Soapbox to take a light-hearted look at the irritating quirks and foibles that pervade our places of business. But in light of the recent devastation suffered by our fellow Americans at the hands of Katrina, it seems more appropriate to check up on how business has reacted to the quirks and foibles of Mother Nature. Don't worry. This won't evolve into a political diatribe or a negative finger-pointing exercise. We've had enough of that.
Instead, maybe we should point some positive fingers at how "business" has reacted to the tragedy.
Like the more than half a billion dollars that businesses across America have already contributed to disaster relief in just the first two weeks after the hurricane hit. Or the hundreds of firms that offered to match the contributions of their workers dollar for dollar.
And it's not just the money. Companies in every industry are offering their products either free or heavily discounted to relief agencies. Those offerings range from diapers and shampoo to bottled water and tents; from food and drugs to generators and home supplies.
And it's not just the money and the products. Companies are offering grace periods for people to return to work and salary continuance until they do so. They're making low-cost loans available to those who relocate and reimbursement for living expenses for those who can't.
And it's not just the money and the products and the loans. Companies are putting together donation programs that allow colleagues to donate paid time off and medical leave to those who have already exhausted theirs. And the IRS, not usually noted for flexibility, has decided that if companies take that time and turn it into cash donations, it won't tax either the employers or the employees.
And it's not just the money and the products and the loans and the programs. Companies are making available their communication systems so workers can contact distant loved ones, and search for those they've been disconnected from. Those firms often provide the tech assistance for the computer-challenged to utilize those resources.
Business often suffers from the label of being monolithic, distant, cold, unfeeling. And sometimes, it's deserved. Not now. Sort of makes you want to look around and see what you can do for those adversely affected by the ravages of the hurricane. Go ahead. Doesn't seem quirky to me at all.
Good luck, stay legal, and help.
Brian L.P. Zevnik
Editor-in-Chief
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