Help me avoid the HR crackdown!

[wrath186]

I work for a corporation in their Human Resources department. (Keep in mind I'm a graphic designer who manages the internal brand of the company so I'm not one of *THOSE* HR people). But working in their midst for the past 15 years, I do think I have a bit of insight to the minds of HR people. As people have stated earlier, the bottom line is that HR wants to keep the boat from being rocked and avoid litigation. That being said, another of their main functions is health insurance benefits. One of the really big pushes in HR lately is employee wellness (ie: keeping healthcare costs down). If you can appeal to them based both on scientific facts and studies and then tie that in to the insurance cost savings for them for you now being a non-smoker, I think you'll have a better shot. If you can help them see it as a tobacco harm reduction method in the same vein as chantix or nicorette or whatever smoking cessation programs they support, then you'll make a stronger case.

(At least, that's my plan if our company ever decides to implement a non-vaping policy)

That's a great idea! I work for a major corporation and they are always looking for new ways to make employees healthier.

That right there is probably going to be your best arguement to win over HR.

 

[DC2]

I assume that HR is only going to save money if the insurance company they use recognizes vaping as safer than smoking.

 

[MJMcMahon]

If you can appeal to them based both on scientific facts and studies and then tie that in to the insurance cost savings for them for you now being a non-smoker, I think you'll have a better shot. If you can help them see it as a tobacco harm reduction method in the same vein as chantix or nicorette or whatever smoking cessation programs they support, then you'll make a stronger case.

(At least, that's my plan if our company ever decides to implement a non-vaping policy)

That is our plan as well, Schmeelybug.

Rest assured...I don't have any plans to go bursting into the HR director's office demanding that he try my PV immediately. While I may not practice it often, I am at least familiar with the concept of diplomacy.

 

[MJMcMahon]

The schmoozing part didn't enter into it though. That was for the head waitress who was the girlfriend of the boss.

So then schmoozing, like spooning, leads to forking???

 

[rico942]

Its funny, I clearly recall in the early days of my working life, most corporations had a "Personnel Department", whose agents were employee advocates in a dispute with management, like a public defender ...

Somewhere along the line, it turned 180 degrees. I woke up one day to a "Human Resources" department that seemed to actively look for ways to diminish my position and invariably backed any management accusation without question or investigation ...

Having a hostile manager is a constant nuisance, but I agree with the post that said you can usually just wait a bit and that manager will move up, sideways, or out. I had two knucklehead bosses in a row at my current job, for a total of 8 years of abusive treatment. Both were terminated for unethical behavior, one for sexual harrassment ...

Living well is the best revenge ...

But just last week, someone in HR here with too much free time actually published a detailed map of "smoking areas" around our various buildings. One is marked in the middle of a busy driveway to a shipping dock. Hoping the smokers get run over ?

Still not a peep about vaping or e-cigs, so I continue to use my PV openly anywhere on the grounds. I am prepared to answer any management questions using "Congressional Commitee Style", just enough truth to avoid further interrogation ...

"I am not smoking, I have no tobacco products on my person, and no incendiary devices. May I be excused ?"

 

[rico942]

So then schmoozing, like spooning, leads to forking???

Utensil humor, I can't get enough of it ...

 

[MJMcMahon]

Utensil humor, I can't get enough of it ...

My wife and I usually say "spooning leads to forking, which leads to Pickles". ECF'ers, meet Pickles:



She'll undoubtedly hate the nickname somewhere around age 10

 

[EddardinWinter]

My wife and I usually say "spooning leads to forking, which leads to Pickles". ECF'ers, meet Pickles:

View attachment 232820

She'll undoubtedly hate the nickname somewhere around age 10

Nice work. She is adorable, and she will no doubt grow to hate that nickname. So much the better...

 

[Ref Minor]

Its funny, I clearly recall in the early days of my working life, most corporations had a "Personnel Department", whose agents were employee advocates in a dispute with management, like a public defender ...

Somewhere along the line, it turned 180 degrees. I woke up one day to a "Human Resources" department that seemed to actively look for ways to diminish my position and invariably backed any management accusation without question or investigation ...

I am the Trade Union representative at my workplace, every time I have to defend one of my people whose manager has an issue with them I explain to my member that the HR representative will back up the manager and work to achieve his aim. Occasionally we get the odd one who is fairer than others but it is rare and they usually move on quickly. I always tell my members if you are called into a meeting and the other side has a HR representative present ask for your Union rep to be there.

 

[EddardinWinter]

Of course, not everyone is in a union. If you are not, it is best to keep your answers short and simple during the meeting. Yes or no answers whenever possible. I would consider recording such a meeting if I was alone. If they object, take written notes the entire time. Make them stop for you to keep up as frequently as you need while you write.

I keep a journal at work for just this type situation. When you have a written record of events, it can be worth its weight in gold and then some...

I had my boss at my old job call me in with the HR thug, and I pulled out my recorder. My boss said, "you can't record this" and without hesitation I said, "then this meeting is adjourned.". I got up and walked out. Two weeks later, they fired me.

However, the BS they cited on my paperwork was basis for me to meet with the CEO and President of the company and negotiated a nice settlement arrangement. I took that summer off while I conducted a leisurely job search. When the suits saw the four marble notebooks I kept full of notes during my employment, they couldn't wait to write the check to me. The key to it was the projection of strength at all times.

 

[Ref Minor]

I keep a journal at work for just this type situation. When you have a written record of events, it can be worth its weight in gold and then some

This is very good advice for any employee whether a Union member or not. It is my universal advice to anyone who comes to me with an issue about their boss. I advise them to get a notebook and record every incident with dates and times no matter how insignificant. Many small events can add up quite quickly into a claim for harassment or constructive dismissal.

 

[RosaJ]

Another very good practice is to send the people in the meeting an email after the meeting stating what was discussed and the resolutions, if any, that were arrived at during the meeting. Ask them to correct any points if you're wrong. This practice has been around even before computers. I remember typing out memos for my boss when I was a secretary. It's an excellent way to get confirmation from the people involved and also is a "paper trail" in case you need to use in the future.

 

[MJMcMahon]

Unfortunately, HR has come down and announced that vaping is not permitted inside the building. I've asked for clarification on the reasoning behind the decision, pointing out that the the vapor is more or less water vapor. It will be interesting to see what response I get back.

 

[DC2]

Unfortunately, HR has come down and announced that vaping is not permitted inside the building. I've asked for clarification on the reasoning behind the decision, pointing out that the the vapor is more or less water vapor. It will be interesting to see what response I get back.

Here you go...

--We don't that they are safe
--We don't know what's in them
--They are not FDA approved
--It complicates enforcement of our no-smoking policy

Take your pick of any or all of the above.

 

[SissySpike]

Unfortunately, HR has come down and announced that vaping is not permitted inside the building. I've asked for clarification on the reasoning behind the decision, pointing out that the the vapor is more or less water vapor. It will be interesting to see what response I get back.

Small caliber large magazine simi automatic rifle and some strategically placed propane tanks is your only option;-) Im sorry to here they went the way they did!

 

[Myk]

Here you go...

--We don't that they are safe
--We don't know what's in them
--They are not FDA approved

Take your pick of any or all of the above.

You forgot that it looks like smoking and from a distance customers could confuse it and get a bad image of the company.

 

[DC2]

You forgot that it looks like smoking and from a distance customers could confuse it and get a bad image of the company.

You're right, so I edited my post to add that.
Not sure how I could have forgotten that particular chunk of BS.

 

[SissySpike]

You're right, so I edited my post to add that.
Not sure how I could have forgotten that particular chunk of BS.

How about it make some of the other employees uncomfortable.

Come on no love for the politically incorrect reference to going postal I know some one had to crack a smile!

 

[Myk]

How about it make some of the other employees uncomfortable.

Come on no love for the politically incorrect reference to going postal I know some one had to crack a smile!

I loved it but figured it wouldn't last before it was removed.

 

[DC2]

How about it make some of the other employees uncomfortable.

Well, that is obviously the reason why they will ban electronic cigarettes.
But my guess is that it is also the only thing they will not say when justifying their stupid decision.