Why We’re Here Fair play respectful workplace By Geoff PotterFor this employee, the goalis helping foster an open and Donnis McPhaul is a Global Diversity & Employee Rights office receives a complaint from the affected individual or a witness, specialist who conducts Equal Employment Opportunity manager, or HR or Ethics representative. If the behavior is a potential investigations at various Boeing sites. In this Frontiers series violation of our Equal Employment Opportunity policies, I conduct a that profiles employees discussing their jobs, McPhaul explains confidential investigation as promptly as possible. That may involve how Boeing provides safeguards for employees as it strives interviewing witnesses, analyzing data, collecting forensic evidence to create and maintain a fair and respectful workplace. and, finally, documenting the findings establishing whether the PHOTO: RON WILLIAMS/BOEING Eees a way to help ensure the workplace atmosphere offers as requiring specific training for the person exhibiting inappropriateLess than half of complaints are substantiated. But when theybehavior violated our policies.are, corrective action or other appropriate steps are taken, such-That’s what makes my job so rewarding—giving employqual Employment Opportunity is all about fairness. everyone at Boeing a chance to contribute their best without being behavior. Our goal is to address that behavior and prevent it from distracted or impeded by harassment or discrimination. happening again. I also follow up afterward to make sure the Outside of work, I enjoy watching thrillers and detective movies. behavior has been corrected and there’s been no retaliation. My Boeing job is a little like being a detective. I have to put all the Boeing has employed me for more than 32 years in a variety pieces together to see the big picture. of jobs, most of them in Human Resources. I have a passion for Part of my role is to help employees understand that certain learning. And I’m the type of individual who sets goals and works behaviors—harassment, for example, or even gossip when it’s hard to achieve them. Through the Learning Together program, related to someone’s gender, race, religion or age—are simply I’ve earned a Ph.D. in Organization and Management, with a unacceptable in the Boeing workplace. We also want employees specialization in HR Management. who believe they’ve been discriminated against or harassed to I’m a big believer in responsibility. I believe everyone at Boeing raise their hand and report it. is responsible for fostering a productive workplace and treating Here’s how the investigation process works. others with respect, dignity and trust. And I feel proud that the Imagine that someone is sending emails with racially derogatory work I do helps advance that goal. n jokes or making unwanted sexual advances to a co-worker. Our geoffrey.potter@boeing.com BOEING FRONTIERS / DECEMBER 2012–JANUARY 2013 9
Frontiers December 2012/January 2013 Issue
To see the actual publication please follow the link above