"The Ombuds can help
you define why you want
what you want."
"Poor issue management
results in the loss of
productivity. A Watson &
Hoffman study estimates
that
30-40% of a managers
daily
activities are devoted
to
some form of conflict."
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WHAT IS THE OMBUDS OFFICE? |
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The NASA Ombuds Program was established in 2005 as an informal, independent, confidential and neutral means of communicating and facilitating the resolution of safety, organizational performance, and mission related issues without fear of retaliation. All NASA Centers and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have Ombuds who will listen to an employee's issues, explore options, and weigh the pros and cons of various options for resolution. The Ombuds reports to the Center Heads at each site.
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WHO WE SERVE AND THE PROCESS WE USE |
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The Ombuds Program serves civil servants and on-site contractors. An individual may chose to use the Ombuds Office if;
They do not know what formal resources are available to them
They have already been to the formal resources and do not feel like the process was fair
Feel that the formal resource is too close to the situation to be impartial
Want to raise an issue and not be identified as the source of the information
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THE OMBUDS PROCESS |
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The Ombuds will;
- Listen with an open mind
- Help clarify an issue
- Work with you to identify options for resolution and the pros and cons of each
- Coach you to effectively communicate your own concerns
- Facilitate discussion between individuals
- Refer to formal resource if appropriate
- Escalate concerns only with your specific permission
- Share general demographic and issue trends with management
- Act as a change agent
The Ombuds will not;
- Serve as formal notice to the Center or Agency
- Replace or supersede formal resources or policy
- Conduct formal investigation
- Serve as an advocate for any individual
- Make binding decisions
- Break confidentiality unless there is an imminent risk of serious harm to an individual, damage to property or a crime
- Keep records
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TYPES OF ISSUES THAT MIGHT BE RAISED |
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Safety
- Project safety
- Workplace safety (property and lives)
- Material safety
- Use of chemicals
- Adherence to safety procedures
- Smoking in the workplace
Mission Success
- Decision making – ensuring the right people have all the facts
- Use of budget and resources
- Personnel changes that could result in oversight gaps
Organizational Performance
- Individual performance concerns
- Discipline
- Promotion
- Compensation
- Work hours/schedules
- Conflicts between co-workers or boss
- Hostile work environment or bullying
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