Wednesday • November12

Smart Business Moment

Gift of Travel from a Prospective Employer

Looking for a new job? Avoid this pitfall.

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Gift of Travel from a Prospective Employer

Looking for a new job? Avoid this pitfall.

You may accept an offer of meals, lodging, transportation, and other benefits customarily provided by a prospective employer.
But if the prospective employer has interests that could be affected by performance or nonperformance of the employee’s duties, you need to get clearance from the Ethics Office before taking any action.

Seeking employment with a company that you work with in your postal capacity could result in criminal liability. By contacting the Ethics Office prior to seeking employment, you not only preserve the Postal Service’s reputation for fairness and honesty, but you also keep yourself on the right side of the law.

And that’s always smart business.

Contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) for guidance.

Alternate business moment

White Elephant Group Gift Exchanges

Mr. Scrooge does not work in the Ethics Office.

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White Elephant Group Gift Exchanges

Mr. Scrooge does not work in the Ethics Office.

One of the exceptions to the rule prohibiting gifts to superiors allows an employee to accept a non-cash gift valued at $10.00 or less from a subordinate or lesser paid employee on an occasional basis, such as birthdays or holidays.
Likewise, a Postal Service employee may give a non-cash gift valued at $10.00 or less to a superior or higher paid employee on such occasions.
Everyone may participate in a holiday gift exchange or similar activity as long as the gifts are worth $10.00 or less, and are not cash.

Voluntary gift exchanges can improve morale as long as they are done within the rules.

And that’s smart business.

Contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) for more guidance.

Smart Safety Moment

Zero tolerance

The Postal Service has a zero tolerance policy for workplace violence and there’s a ...

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Zero tolerance

The Postal Service has a zero tolerance policy for workplace violence and there’s a written policy for reporting threats.

No employee should have to work in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. If you’ve been threatened or believe you’re in a potentially unsafe situation that involves a co-worker or supervisor — or if you’re experiencing a domestic violence situation that could pose a threat in the workplace — notify your immediate supervisor, respective threat assessment team (TAT) and the Postal Inspection Service.

There are TATs at headquarters and in the areas and every district office to respond to threats and potential violence. TAT members are trained to assess the danger of threats, whether implied or direct.

USPS is committed to fostering a positive and safe work environment that’s free of threats, fear and violence for every employee.

And that’s smart safety!

For additional information or guidance, contact your safety office.

Alternate safety moment

Crosswalk safety

It’s the pedestrians’ domain.

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Crosswalk safety

It’s the pedestrians’ domain.

Always yield to people in a crosswalk. When approaching, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop. When stopped, allow enough room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so other drivers can see the pedestrians too. Don’t pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk — they’re waiting for people to cross and making sure the way is clear.

Look out for pedestrians at all times. As a driver, it’s your responsibility. Pedestrians — especially children — aren’t always where they should be or where you’d expect them to be. Be vigilant to prevent financial liability to the USPS as a result of a pedestrian injury or death.

And that’s smart safety!

For additional information or guidance, contact your safety office.

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