July 8, 2004

More on morale help

Anthony Clark recently offered some suggestions on improving morale at this Laboratory.

It's good that people are trying to think of ways to improve morale, but I do have some comments on these suggestions.

First, I want to echo statements elsewhere that expediting the return to some sort of 9/80 modified work schedule for all employees, in whatever form is acceptable to the Lab, University of California and the National Nuclear Security Administration, would have great beneficial impact on morale.

A family day also is a fine idea, something that seems to have been popular in the past. Perhaps someone more clever than I can also come up with something for the substantial number of single persons in the Lab work force as well.

Improving the clearance process seems to be far outside the control of the Lab. My understanding is that it has to do with such factors as the large number of clearances that have been required for the creation of the homeland security department, among other things. In other words, the problem is affecting the entire federal government, and not just the Laboratory. But anything that could be done for those who are waiting would be great.

I disagree with the suggestion of eliminating parking enforcement. Indeed, I think that such an action would have a deleterious effect on morale. Far and away, the vast majority of Lab workers know how to park properly and obey signs and rules. It is only a tiny minority who so place themselves above all others that they are willing to break such rules and ignore signs for their own personal convenience, while interfering with safety and necessary Lab operations. Several months ago, enforcement was lax, and I know it affected my morale. Even though it was a small number of people, every morning I was left wondering what kind of people I was working with and whether the Lab cared about safety or rules at all. I also know co-workers who complained about these antics, so I am not alone. In addition, I believe there was some connection between lax enforcement of parking and further flaunting of proper conduct elsewhere, including one time when I was nearly run down in a crosswalk inside Technical Area 3 by a driver who ignored a stop sign while I was in the crosswalk. Since enforcement now seems somewhat more vigorous, the safety of walking and driving the parking lots and roads has greatly improved, and I find that all driving behavior has improved, at least within TA-3.

May I suggest instead that some more effort be made to open additional parking space? For example, I recall that the site of the old health center was to be converted into parking, but I am not sure why that has never happened.

I also want to applaud those whose task it is to enforce the parking regulations. It is such a thankless task, but I want those so engaged to know that there are those of us here who greatly appreciate the job that they do to make this Lab a more pleasant place to work. Thank you!

--Richard Stead