While today, December 6, 2018, does bring a significant change to drug laws here in Michigan, this does not make it ok to have, use, or otherwise be under the influence while working. While legal in Michigan for those over 21, marijuana remains an illegal controlled substance under Federal Law and as a recipient of Federal funding, we are subject to the Federal laws dictating a Drug Free Workplace.

The newly enacted state law says, in part,

Isn’t it OUR time, Mr. Hand?!?

“This act does not require an employer to permit or accommodate conduct otherwise allowed by this act in any workplace or on the employer’s property. This act does not prohibit an employer from disciplining an employee for violation of a workplace drug policy or for working while under the influence of marihuana. This act does not prevent an employer from refusing to hire, discharging, disciplining, or otherwise taking an adverse employment action against a person with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of that person’s violation of a workplace drug policy or because that person was working while under the influence of marihuana.”

The District has several Board policies that deal directly with this issue. One clear example is Policy 3122.01:

“The Board of Education believes that quality education is not possible in an environment affected by drugs. It will seek, therefore, to establish and maintain an educational setting which is not tainted by the use or evidence of use of any controlled substance.

Employees are prohibited from reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

The Board shall not permit the manufacture, possession, use, distribution, or dispensing of any controlled substance, alcohol, and any drug paraphernalia, by any member of the District’s professional staff at any time while on District property or while involved in any District-related activity or event. Any staff member who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with District guidelines and the terms of collective bargaining agreements.”

So the bottom line, nothing has changed when it comes to the workplace and marijuana.

My son, an incoming junior in high school, finished his summer reading this past weekend, hasn’t located his backpack to use, and is spending more time worried about his appearance for school pictures on the 1^st day than on determining exactly where he is supposed to go first on the 1^st day!

My daughter, entering 7^th grade, has had her backpack prepped for a few weeks, rechecked it several times to ensure everything is in the correct order within the backpack, and already knows where her 1^st class is located so she can go right there when she arrives at school!

The vast differences in the preparation of these 1^st days I imagine are quite reflective of not only their personalities, but age too. While he would not admit it, there is excitement in my son to get going in this year. Meanwhile, my daughter certainly has apprehension of a new year with new teachers and the rise of additional expectations that come with each advancing year in school.

These are the same feelings that appear in our people at work from time to time too. I’m sure someone you work with is experiencing excitement about future possibilities while another may be feeling anxious over events where they have little or no control. What are doing to support this spectrum of humanity? Do you know where you fall on it?

One of the reminders that I am most likely to use at work this time of year as we have many new people joining the District is that while we in HR have heard a question many times, for this person, this is their 1^st time hearing our answer. Are we making sure that the answer is as complete and informative for this person as it was for the 1^st person who asked it on our 1^st day? It’s important that we make every effort to make it so!

Enjoy the 1^st day. While you’re at it, enjoy the 1000^th one just as much!

My wife Susanne is truly my better half and I am fortunate that she not kicked me to the curb during our 15+ years of marriage.  Instead, she has found a great opportunity in her chosen field and we have decided to grab it.  We have discovered through the process of working with headhunters executive recruiters that her skill set and expertise is highly desired and certainly much more special than some HR mumbo jumbo that I could develop over time.  So, after 10 wonderful years living in Bloomington and enjoying all it has to offer, we are moving north to pursue her opportunity in Michigan.

As we start out on the road to Kalamazoo, there are going to be bumps along the way.  Those bumps are expected and certainly provide the chance to embrace what is important and to grow as new challenges await.  I am confident that my own future is wide open with possibilities.  I have exactly one week to go in my MBA program and cannot wait to put my skills to work in a new environment and engage in unforeseen challenges.  Although finding an organization to associate with on a full-time basis would be grand, I am equally intrigued at the possibility to start executive coaching on a regular basis and could certainly do that throughout the Midwest. Any referrals would certainly be welcomed!!

Feeling abundant, seeking to empower others, and demonstrating to my children what being good is about provides me with purpose and passion.  These resonate well with my core beliefs:

• Look for the best in everybody
• Take calculated risks
• Dream Big
• Make time for what matters
• Have fun

Although there will be many things to be missed about being in Bloomington, the memories I take, visits that will be made, and lifelong friends to be cherished are always an important part of what’s next!