Definition of the Day

As an HR professional, currently working in the trucking/transportation industry, this definition has become increasingly poignant:

mor·al

ˈmôrəl

a person's standards of behavior or beliefs concerning what is and is not acceptable for them to do.

When working through "employee relations", after a while you think you've seen it all.  I've been only been working in my current position for a year and I'm unfortunately still continually surprised at some of the things I hear.  Now, this isn't a bash on truckers, because my own grandfather was one for UPS.  They also are a vital part of our economy by bringing goods to and fro across the entire country.  They are away from their family and homes for extended periods of time and drive countless miles and hours.  It's HARD work!

I wish I could share the voice message that someone left for me today, but that probably isn't a good idea to do in a public forum.  However, I'll briefly explain what is was about.  A husband of a female truck driver trainee called.  The wife, our new employee, had called him telling him that she wanted a divorce.  He stated the she also called later stating that she was having "relations" with her trainer, also our employee (which yes, that's against company policy), and that she felt terribly guilty for having done so.  This husband was calling us to try and get a hold of her, because he thought she was off her medication, was now taking handfuls of cold pills that made her hallucinate, and the trainer had supposedly thrown away her phone so he wanted to make sure she was safe!!

YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!!!  What's going on in the world?!

Unfortunately, I think there has definitely been a breakdown in morals in today's society.  There's plenty that  likely contributes to that degradation which would be another handful of posts in and of itself.  However, I think it would be wise for all of us to remember the definition given above.

As we grow older and have more experiences in life, we may run into situations that we haven't necessarily had to face before.  However, if we've clearly been establishing our morals and have been building our foundation of what we think is right or wrong, I believe it'll be much easier to face those unpredictable or questionable times ahead.

So, not to be preachy or anything, but REMEMBER YOUR MORALS!  Life is already hard enough and I think this is one thing that could just make it a little easier.  Plus, it'd make my job a little less stressful =)!