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| In This Issue |
Foul Language In The Workplace
A Discussion on Profanity and Professionalism |
| Resource Management's Supplemental Benefit Offerings |
| RMI Payroll Login |
| Workplace Injury |
| Safe Driving Tip |
| Share the Road Using Common Courtesy |
| Workplace Safety Tip |
| Dealing with Mother Nature |
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| RMI's New Employees |
RMI has hired several new employees throughout the previous quarter. Please join us in welcoming them to RMI.
RMI is pleased to welcome back Dano Didericksen, RMI's new IT Director. Dano previously worked in RMI's IT Department and is happy to be back after 10 years away. During the last decade, Dano has traveled the world supporting, customizing, and implementing IBM's Maximo system for the nuclear power industry. His work has taken him to places such as Russia, Japan, Taiwan and various locations in the U.S. As RMI's IT Director, Dano will be working on ways to improve IT processes and infrastructure without sacrificing the level of service that RMI provides to its clients and staff. Dano is excited for this opportunity and looks forward to meeting and working with RMI's clients.
Jennifer Farnworth was hired in RMI's Payroll Department. Jennifer has almost completed her Associates Degree and is planning to continue her education at the University of Utah. Prior to RMI, she worked for Intermountain Health Care, processing payroll for their IT department. She has also worked for the State of Utah in the Sign Language Interpreter Program. Jennifer loves to run and has recently started her own catering business. She has two children that keep her busy.
Liz Nicholls has also joined RMI's Payroll Department. Prior to joining RMI, she was an Administrative/HR Assistant for Costa Vida Restaurants and FatCats Bowling and Entertainment Centers. She wore many hats there and is excited to now be focused on one area. She attended Southern Utah University and is currently attending Salt Lake Community College. Liz is training for a marathon and loves dogs, reading, hiking, climbing and river rafting.
RMI is pleased to announce that Trykell Harris has been hired to work in our Finance & Accounting Department. Trykell attended Utah Valley State College before getting married and moving to Arizona. She finished her schooling in Phoenix at DeVry University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Trykell is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Accountancy degree at the University of Phoenix and hopes to obtain her CPA license. Her favorite things to do are reading, playing video games, and spending time with her husband. She loves working with numbers and looks forward to being able to apply and expand her knowledge with the RMI team.
RMI is also pleased to announce that Maria Moreno has joined the Payroll Department as a Payroll Manager. Maria is currently attending Weber State University pursuing a degree in Accounting. Prior to joining RMI, Maria had been working for a sporting goods manufacturer doing payroll and purchasing. She loves spending time with friends and family, going camping, and reading a good book. Maria looks forward to working with and getting to know RMI's clients.
Finally, RMI is happy to welcome Amy Dansie back to our Payroll Department. Many of our clients may remember working Amy over the years. Amy looks forward to working with the RMI team and our clients again. |
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| Upcoming RMI Holidays |
In observance of Utah's state holiday, Pioneer Day, RMI's Utah offices will be closed on Monday, July 25, 2011.
In observance of Labor Day, all RMI offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2011. |
Foul Language In The Workplace
A Discussion on Profanity and Professionalism
Have you ever found yourself in or overheard a conversation that turned vulgar, obscene or crude? Ask yourself how it evolved to that point. Did someone's language play a role? How did you respond? Did you laugh? Were you offended? Did you look around to see who may have heard? Several articles have been written that profanity in the workplace is on the rise and is often considered offensive to many. While some may find casual swearing in the workplace harmless or funny, some may believe that it creates a hostile and harmful work environment. As such, we need your help maintaining our work-sites free from this behavior.
The Cuss Control Academy lists ten tips to help tame your tongue:
- Recognize that swearing does damage. You probably swear because it is easy, fun, candid and emphatic, expressive, breaks rules, and somehow partially reduces anger and pain. But the negatives outweigh the positives. You really don't win an argument by swearing. You don't prove that you are smart or articulate. You don't earn respect or admiration. You don't motivate, you intimidate. Swearing doesn't get you hired, promoted, or romantically connected.
- Start by eliminating casual swearing. Pretend that your sweet little grandmother or your young daughter is always next to you. Use inflections for emphasis instead of offensive adjectives. Be more descriptive instead of using the "s" word to describe everything from objects, work and the weather to the way you feel, the way someone looks, and the way something smells.
- Think positively. Look to the bright side. Develop a "can do" attitude. Worry only to the point that motivates you to prepare for the problem, then hope for the best. A positive mental attitude not only eliminates lots of swearing, it brings you contentment and brightens your personality.
- Practice being patient. When you are stuck in line or in traffic, ask yourself if a few more minutes matters. Be honest: does it really matter? If so, and you have no control of the situation, plan the rest of your day or do the thinking that you say you never have time to do. Talk to someone, even a stranger in line with you.
- Cope, don't cuss. We live in an imperfect world, yet our expectations continually increase. Each day can be filled with aggravations, delays, disappointments and frustrations. The fact is, we have to deal with them anyway. So stop cussing and learn to cope. Consider even the smallest annoyance a challenge, and feel proud of yourself for taking care of it cheerfully and efficiently.
- Stop complaining. Before you start griping or whining about something, remind yourself of a very important reality: no one wants to hear it! Why would they? Avoid complaining about matters that you and the people with you have no control over. For all other complaints, try to offer a rational solution. Others will admire your common sense, wisdom and calm approach to the problem.
- Use alternative words. English is a colorful language, but chronic cursers repeatedly use the same, unimaginative words that have been around for centuries. Take the time to develop your own list of alternatives to the nasty words you now use, relying on your own intelligence, a thesaurus, good books, and even some of the more clever TV shows. Select a few powerful or even funny words, and get in the habit of substituting them for swear words. For example, instead of B.S., choices range from lie, fabrication, nonsense and exaggeration to bunk, baloney, drivel, malarkey, hokum, hogwash and balderdash. They might not give you satisfaction at first, but they will eventually.
- Make your point politely. Some substitute words can be just as offensive if your tone is abrasive or you insult someone. Think of the response to what you are about to say, and decide if you need to reword your statement to be more effective. For example, if someone suggests that you are doing something incorrectly, your response can range from "Who gives a flying !#%*?" to "I don't care," to "It really doesn't matter," or "I think my way is faster." The first reply is defensive, defiant, belligerent, and reflects a terrible attitude. The last reply is a justification that the other person might appreciate. Take the time to make your point in a mature and convincing manner.
- Think of what you should have said. It is easy to blurt out a swear word at an inappropriate time, or to bark out a tactless or tasteless remark before you have a chance to consider the impact. Think of what you could have said. After you shout an expletive, simply say the tamer word you wished you had said. If you make a statement that you later realize was negative, confrontational or rude, think of how you could have phrased the statement. Over time, these exercises will train you to think and act differently.
- Work at it. Breaking the swearing habit might prove to be no easier than losing weight, giving up cigarettes, or correcting any other habit. It takes practice, support from others, and a true desire to be a better person - not only by controlling your language, but the emotions that prompt you to swear. Here are a few exercises to condition yourself:
- Think in clean language, and switch negative thoughts into positive solutions.
- When you are on your way to a situation you know will test your temper and your tongue, plan ahead what you will say and how you will say it.
- Tell your family or friends what you are doing, and you will be more cautious around them.
- Determine when and why you swear the most, and develop your own tricks for changing your behavior.
In addition to improving our language, let's remember that our attitude and tone can also contribute to an undesirable working environment. As we're reminded by the Golden Rule, "One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself." As we live by this Golden Rule and apply the ten tips above to our interactions with others, we'll do our part to maintain a professional and pleasant workplace. For additional information on this topic, please contact your RMI HR Representative. |
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| Resource Management's Supplemental Benefit Offerings |
If you have been with RMI for a while now, you may have forgotten about all of the supplemental benefits that were offered to you during your new-hire process. RMI has many exciting supplemental benefits that we offer to our co-employees. Below are some of the benefits that we want to remind you of.
 Adoption Assistance Program: RMI offers an Adoption Assistance Program to provide the employees of RMI with financial aid related to the adoption of a non-relative child. This program is available to employees who have worked full-time with RMI for at least one full year. The aid is in the form of a $700 matching contribution to be used for the adoption of a child into the employee's family. The lifetime maximum allowed per employee is $2,100. Contact RMI's Benefits Department for more information regarding this benefit.
 AFLAC: For our clients based in Washington state, AFLAC offers supplemental benefits such as disability, short-term disability and accident coverage. Contact RMI's AFLAC agent, Barbara Dickson, at (425) 883-8156 for a customized quote to fit you and your family's needs.
 Axcess Insurance Group: Axcess Insurance offers discounted rates for auto and home insurance. Benefits include a multiple policy discount, a full-year policy period, billing flexibility and convenience, twenty four hour premier service, and additional discounts for good drivers. All employees of RMI are eligible for auto and home insurance discounts in Utah, Washington, and most other states. You may contact Ryan Spencer at Axcess Insurance toll-free at (877) 766-6792 or ryan@axcessutah.com.
 Colonial Life: Colonial Life offers a variety of supplemental insurance plans for employees, including disability insurance, life insurance, cancer and critical illness insurance, accidental insurance, and more. Colonial coverage is flexible so that you can tailor your supplemental coverage to help meet your individual needs. This benefit features convenient payroll deduction for premium payments. Please contact Sheri Paskins at (801) 269-0121, extension 102, or spaskins@xmission.com for more information.
 Educational Assistance Program: After one year of continuous full-time employment with RMI, employees are eligible to participate in RMI's Educational Assistance Program. Employees can receive up to $200 per year, with a maximum lifetime benefit of $1,600, to be applied toward their education. In order to qualify for reimbursement, employees must take an accredited course that is job-related. The course must be pre-approved by both the employer and RMI. Employees must achieve a "B" or better grade in the course. Employees must also provide to RMI proof of payment and a statement showing their grade. Contact RMI's Finance Department for more information regarding this benefit.
 MasterCard Branded Payroll Card: RMI, GenPass and MasterCard offer a Payroll Card branded with the MasterCard logo for employees who wish to have the convenience of direct deposit on a MasterCard debit card. This service is provided without a monthly fee and is good at locations worldwide. For more information regarding the Payroll Card, please contact RMI's Payroll Department.
 Pre-Paid Legal Services: RMI and Pre-Paid Legal Services have formed a partnership to offer employees Pre-Paid Legal services and Identity Theft Shield services. These benefits can assist you with credit monitoring, identity theft resolution, will preparation, and access to an attorney who can provide you with legal advice, review personal legal documents and assist with traffic violations. For more information about this benefit, please contact Leslie Udy at (801) 830-3629 or markandleslieudy@gmail.com.
 Partners Page: RMI has teamed up with a variety of different vendors to offer the employees of RMI discounts on products and services ranging from travel and automobiles to hotels and car rental. Please review the Partners tab on RMI's website www.rminc.com for more information about these offers.
RMI is excited to roll out our Employee Rewards Program later this year. Employee Rewards is an online shopping rewards program designed for all of RMI's employees. The Employee Rewards Program will offer cash-back shopping incentives and access to all of the largest retailers worldwide. Please watch for announcements concerning Employee Rewards coming late this spring or early summer.
Please contact RMI's Benefits Department if you have any questions about the supplemental benefit offerings that we can offer to you and your employees. |
| RMI Payroll Login |
Are you aware you have the ability to view your personal payroll information on-line? You can set up your on-line payroll access right now by going to www.rminc.com. Click on the "RMI Payroll Login" link that appears in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Just below the user name and password section, you'll see a link that says, "Sign Me Up." Please make sure to disable your pop-up blocker before clicking "Sign Me Up." Enter your e-mail address, last name and social security number, then click "Submit."
Once you have entered this information, your temporary password will be e-mailed to you. Your user name will be your e-mail address. Once you log in, you will be prompted to change your password.
The RMI Payroll Login gives you access to the following information:
- Check History
- Year to Date Totals
- Direct Deposit
- 2010 Form W2
- Deductions
- Taxes
- Time Off Accruals*
- Flex Spending
- RMI Contacts
*Your time off accruals will not appear within the RMI Payroll Login if your time off accruals are being tracked in TimeForce
If you have any questions, please contact the RMI Payroll Department at 888-764-0200. |
| Workplace Injury |
| If you have a work-related injury, you need to report the incident to your supervisor and to RMI at the corporate or appropriate branch office within 24 hours of the occurrence. Please leave a voice mail for RMI's HR Representative if the incident occurs after hours or on a weekend. Make sure you leave a phone number where you can be reached. Delays in reporting injuries could result in large expenses for you. |
| Safe Driving Tip |
| Share the Road Using Common Courtesy |
Sharing the road with other drivers is all part of safe travel. That means letting other drivers pass, turn and change lanes. If another driver is hogging the road or cutting in front of you, let him! It's never worth putting yourself in danger just to prove a point.
Being a courteous driver means giving the other driver lots of room to maneuver, and lots of time to both make and correct mistakes. That is one of the reasons to keep at least a two-second following distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. This interval should be greater when traveling at high speeds, when roads are wet or icy, when visibility is poor or when large vehicles are blocking your view.
You want to maintain enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can stop safely. You need to take into account your own reaction time. Tailgating or following too closely is a leading cause of traffic accidents.
Always yield the right-of-way. Never race a yellow light because a driver crossing the intersection might be jumping the gun for a green light. Don't argue over the right-of-way. Even if you win the argument, you could really lose by being in an accident.
Always make sure you know where "the other guy" is, whether that's another driver or a pedestrian. Know what is behind you, beside you and ahead of you, in case you have to make a sudden stop or lane change to avert an accident. To pass, always look in your mirrors, signal and check over your shoulder. Expect the unexpected, and always leave yourself an "out" in case something goes wrong.
Know the blind spots on your vehicle, and take them into account when surveying your surroundings. Glare, cargo, snow and ice may create additional blind spots.
Any time you must turn across on-coming traffic, make sure you have enough time to do so and take into account the possibility of your vehicle stalling or losing traction on a slippery surface. Signal before you turn, and check the pedestrian crosswalks too. When an oncoming driver is also signaling to turn, make absolutely sure he is going to do so before beginning your turn. If at all possible, establish eye contact with the oncoming driver.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or even while tired or otherwise inattentive, is about the least courteous thing you can do. So is speeding, which also greatly increases the chances of injury or death for you or someone else on the road. A courteous driver considers the posted speed limit, the conditions of road surface, weather, lighting and traffic when choosing a speed at which to travel.
What do you do if another driver is discourteous or aggressive? Just give that driver plenty of space, and try not to do anything to aggravate them. For instance, if someone is tailgating you or trying to force you to go faster than it is safe to travel, give the driver the opportunity to pass as soon as it is safe to do so. If necessary, signal and pull off the road in a safe spot to let them get around you. Don't accelerate to an unsafe speed and under no circumstances should you fight back by slowing down, weaving around, or hitting your brakes.
When you try to get even with a rude driver, you greatly increase the chances of being in an accident. Share the road with respect for other drivers. For more information on this topic, please contact your RMI HR Representative. |
| Workplace Safety Tip |
| Dealing with Mother Nature |
Its summertime and many people are enjoying the outdoors, while others are working outdoors. But summer's severe weather can catch you off guard and leave you vulnerable to injury or death if care isn't taken. Here are some safety tips for dealing with Mother Nature's moods during lightning, heat waves, hailstorms and tornadoes.
LIGHTNING
You know what they say: you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than winning a multi-million dollar lottery. But take heart because here is some advice to keep you safe during lightning storms:
- Stay indoors and away from electrical appliances. Avoid using phones or showers.
- If caught outdoors, don't stand near tall objects, such as trees or utility poles. If you're in the open, drop to your knees and bend forward so your head is lower than your back (but don't let your head touch the ground).
- Stay away from open water and avoid metal objects, such as wire fences, golf carts, clotheslines, bicycles and farm equipment.
HEAT WAVE
During a heat wave, performing demanding physical work can be even more demanding. If you aren't careful to avoid overstressing yourself and becoming dehydrated, you may be courting deadly consequences. In extreme cases, you could develop heat stroke, where your body stops sweating, your internal temperature skyrockets and you run the risk of dying.
It's critical to know the symptoms of heat illness and to know preventive measures. This includes taking periodic rest breaks in cool areas and drinking plenty of water to stay well hydrated before a serious situation develops.
Symptoms of heat illness include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Irritability
- Decreased urine output or dark urine
- Pale or clammy skin
If you experience any of these symptoms or witness them in someone else, it's important to get yourself or the victim to a cool, shady area, loosen or remove excess clothing, and drink about a cup of cool water every 15 minutes. The victim should also be fanned or sprayed with cool water.
If the symptoms don't improve, get medical help without delay. If the situation progresses to heat stroke, the person will stop sweating, likely have hot, red skin, possibly be severely irritable or confused, and may suffer seizures or lapse into unconsciousness. Without medical help, the outcome can be fatal.
HAILSTORMS
You've seen or heard what hailstones can do to cars and trucks. Imagine what they could do to you.
Keep these tips in mind when a hailstorm comes pelting at your door:
Ensure pets and livestock have adequate shelter.
If caught outdoors, reduce injury by crouching down and protecting your head and neck as much as possible.
If it is safe to do so, move cars, equipment and machinery to shelter to prevent costly damage.
TORNADOES
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, approximately 1,000 storms are reported each year in the United States and some will result in tornadoes without warning. Here are five signs of a tornado that you can watch for and five tips to keep your family safe in the event of a tornado:
Five Signs of a Tornado
- Strong rotation in a cloud base;
- Whirling dust or debris on the ground, beneath a cloud base;
- Heavy precipitation followed by either calm or an intense wind shift;
- Loud and continuous roar, which, unlike thunder, doesn't fade in a few seconds;
- At night, small and bright flashes at ground level instead of in the clouds. These could be power lines being snapped by a strong wind.
Five Tornado Safety Tips
- Get to the basement, lower floor, under a stairwell or into an interior room.
- Avoid windows.
- If possible, try to position yourself so that you are not below heavy objects (appliances, piano, etc.) on a floor above you. These objects might fall through a weakened floor.
- Use a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress to protect yourself from flying debris.
- If you're driving, safely park your car and get to a building. If you can't get to a building, lie flat and face down in low ground and stay far from cars or trees.
Being safe outdoors means taking appropriate action when severe weather is present. For more information about severe weather, please contact your RMI HR Representative. |
| To access the online Workplace Safety Training Log click here. |
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