Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Here’s why USPS employees should follow ethics rules
A new video shows common lapses and how to avoid them
The Postal Service has released a video that shows the importance of ethical behavior on the job.
The video addresses three common types of ethical lapses: mail destruction, mail theft and misuse of postal property.
The four-minute animated video reminds employees they have a duty to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail. Willful acts of mail theft, delay and destruction affect the public’s trust in USPS and hurt the organization’s reputation.
Additionally, the video emphasizes proper use of Voyager cards, which should be used to purchase fuel for postal vehicles. The cards are regularly audited and tracked and should never be used to buy fuel for a personal vehicle, drinks or snacks.
The video, available on the Link website and the Ethics Blue page, will be shown to employees throughout the organization this week and next.
On the Job
She’s got the 4-1-1
This employee helps USPS respond to public information requests
My name is Shawana Holliday-Wood and I’m a human resources generalist principal, based at Postal Service headquarters in Washington, DC.
I help USPS respond to requests made under the Freedom of Information Act, also known as FOIA, a law that allows individuals to access records from any federal agency, and the Privacy Act, a law that allows individuals to access government records about themselves.
Most requests are pretty routine and entail gathering and reviewing records and making redactions to protect sensitive information. USPS has a responsibility to protect the privacy of its employees and customers, so not all requested information can be disclosed.
We receive and process many more requests than we did a few years ago. There’s also been a big shift from paper to digital records.
In addition to my FOIA and Privacy Act duties, I provide support on other human resources matters.
I’m originally from Pittsburgh and moved to the Washington area in 1998. I began my Postal Service career as a contractor that year, then was hired as a career employee in 2000.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy cooking, reading and — my newest hobby — crocheting.
My career highlights include being instrumental in naming a Human Resources conference room at headquarters. My suggested name, the Think Tank, won the most votes in a competition among HR employees.
I also take pride in receiving a Chief FOIA Officer’s Award, both this year and in 2020, for my efforts in helping the Postal Service respond to FOIA requests. I believe I have a unique skill set that helps USPS stay in compliance with the law.
The Postal Service has been a great place to work because I have gained a lot of knowledge regarding the inner workings of our organization and other federal agencies. I have made many wonderful friendships throughout my career.
“On the Job,” a column on individual employees and their contributions to the Postal Service, appears regularly in Link.
May 7, 2024
Datebook
‘Coping with Anxiety and Depression’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar that will show how to differentiate between normal feelings of stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The session, “Coping with Anxiety and Depression,” will be held Tuesday, May 7, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from Aetna, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the Benefits and Wellness team.