Employment Vows — Tip of the Week
I just returned from a wedding. One of our kids is getting married soon. So, vows have been on my mind lately. When an employee comes to work, there are rules and policies about what an employee will do and what an employer will do. Neither view them as vows, however. In a marriage, of course, vows can be words only. But they do make you think about an intended commitment.
An employee’s orientation is usually perfunctory — for both employee and employer. I wonder whether it would make most workplaces better if the orientation included vows. They should be carefully considered. They probably would be different from workplace to workplace. But they would make both employers and employees consider the relationship they are creating as a commitment. And that’s what it’s supposed to be, isn’t it?
Sticklers will note that these vows could become a contract. They don’t seem to be in many marriages. But it’s a point worth considering. There are thousands of lawyers who can help you come up with language that will avoid a contract trap.
Some will say this is silly. Some will say I should stop going to weddings. Some will say I’ve finally lost it. Perhaps. But think about it. Talk with the management team about it. Get current employees’ input on it. I’m inclined to think it’s worth a try.
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About Chris Parker
Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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About Jimmy Daniel
Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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About Larry Bridgesmith
While serving in an Of Counsel relationship with the firm, Mr. Bridgesmith also serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Conflict Resolution at Lipscomb University and as an officer and principal in Strategic Resolutions Group, LLC. In these roles, Mr. Bridgesmith brings over 30 years of legal experience in dispute resolution and innovative workplace strategies to clients, students and business entities alike.
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We have a “What You Should Expect From Us” handout that is presented during the final interview or offer meeting. If nothing else, it shows applicants we take our role in the relationship seriously.
Sounds like a good idea, Frank. You make a good point about an employer showing applicants that it takes its role in the relationship seriously. Sometimes, I think employees feel that the employment relationship is a one way street. A marriage relationship won’t last long or won’t be worth a toot if it’s viewed by one spouse or the other as a one way street. Same is true for an employment relationship.
Thanks for you comment.
John
Adrienne says:
2010/10/05 at 2:12 am
I used to say if I was married to my job, I’d divorce it. Then I did.
Adrienne,
This may be the best comment of all times. Thanks very much.
John