Alternative Dispute Resolution--Maintaining Harmony in the Workplace Date: Tue, 28 Oct 1997 16:44:37 -0500 To: "DE - All WRD Employees at Headquarters" From: "Robert M. Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist, USGS" (by way of Joanne C. Taylor) Subject: TRAINING--Alternative Dispute Resolution, November 1 Cc: " , WRD Archive File, Reston, VA " In Reply Refer To: Mail Stop 406 MEMORANDUM October 28, 1997 To: All WRD Employees at Headquarters From: Robert M. Hirsch (signed) Chief Hydrologist Subject: Alternative Dispute Resolution--Maintaining Harmony in the Workplace Over the years, the Water Resources Division (WRD) has attracted and nurtured a very talented, extremely competent, and in many places a wonderfully diverse workforce. This workforce represents a considerable investment on our part. It is certainly in our best interests as an organization, and it is the responsibility of those in management positions to do whatever is necessary to protect that investment by ensuring that the work environment is both comfortable and enjoyable and that the work itself is challenging and stimulating. A healthy work environment will help us retain the talent we have on board and make it easier to attract similar talent to the WRD in the future. We realize that the typical work situation provides daily opportunities for employee to employee interaction, and any interpersonal relationship has the potential to generate occasional conflict. One tool that can help us maintain a comfortable working environment in the face of this occasional conflict is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The USGS pilot program EARTHWorks (Exploring Alternative Resolution Techniques for Harmony Works) is offering introduction to mediation (ADR) briefings for all USGS employees headquartered in Reston. With the permission of your immediate supervisor, I encourage all WRD employees to attend. Each 2-hour briefing will provide an overview of the EARTHWorks program, various dispute resolution processes, and a short mediation demonstration and exercise. The sessions also will provide a forum for employees to share their views and suggestions for successful implementation of the EARTHWorks ADR Program in the USGS. The following is information about the sessions: When: November 4 and 5, 1997 Times: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. 10:00 - 12 noon 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Where: National Center Auditorium Tuition: No Charge How to Register: E-mail names and session choices to sasmith Specific questions regarding these sessions should be directed to Cathy Jones on extension 7450 or by email cjones2@usgs.gov