Date: Mon, 22 September 2008 From: Susannah Beech, Human Resources Administrator To: Metro

Date: Mon, 22 September 2008 From: Susannah Beech, Human Resources Administrator To: Metro Power Employees Subject: Coping tactics for technical failures

This is a reminder that computer problems should be reported to Bart Stone immediately, and the violent tempers in the workplace cannot be tolerated.

Recently, three Metro employees were fired because of violent outbursts after an equipment failure. One woman was kicking her printer and screaming obscenities. A man threw his keyboard across the room when he couldn’t get on the Intranet, and a third employee put a fist through his computer screen after the system failed. We try to avoid firing people, but these employees frightened co-workers, so we had no choice.

We will do the same to anyone who screams at their computers or kicks their printers in the future. You can laugh, but it’s not funny. This is akin to workplace terrorism.

Computers should be turned off at night, cleaned with cleaning cloths, and food and drink products avoided. There are many ways to combat rising tempers. Walks around the building are a good tactic for calming down.

Technology glitches are not some unholy terror. They are commonplace. Let’s behave like adults in the future, shall we?

Susannah Beech Human Resources Administrator Date: Mon, 22 September 2008 From: Susannah Beech To: Metro Power Employees Subject: Coping tactics for technical failures

We all know the stress of racing toward a deadline and suddenly having your equipment fail. Here are a few suggestions to help you stave off—and cope with—technical equipment and systems failures when they do occur:

 Stay cool. Tech failures are commonplace in business; your bosses and co-workers will understand.  Practice preventive maintenance. Use cleaning cloths and sprays regularly, keep liquids and foods away from sensitive keyboards and printers, and make sure systems are shut down when you leave at night.  For faster repair assistance, promptly report computer failures to Bart Stone, assistant director of information services, ext. 2238.  If you suspect an equipment problem may be developing, don’t wait until the crucial moment to call for assistance.  Take a walk to calm down if a last-minute technical failure threatens your composure.

The last suggestion is perhaps the most important to keep your career on track. Lost tempers, violent outbursts, and rude language are threatening to co-workers, and could result in reprimands or other disciplinary action. So stay calm and make good use of technical support hotlines and assistance. Help is always available.

Ask your supervisor for a list of support numbers to keep handy. The next time you experience a technology glitch, you’ll be able to handle it as just another aspect of your business routine.

Susannah Beech Human Resources Administrator