Because Even Ombudsmen Need Counseling

While hiring multiple ombudsvolk and issuing new decrees about Standards is a good first step, what the modern newsroom really needs to cure its ails is an in-house counselor. Or better yet, a "three-person, award-winning Employee Assistance Program." So suggests Jayson Blair.

Comments

[NoStar]

And what is Charlie Manson's recommendation on ending violence and psychotic behavior?

[cdunlea]

Just what is this reason/libertarian fetish with ombudsmen? Did an ombudsman hurt you or your family? I don't see how that ties in with a libertarian philosophy.

[independent worm]

Oh for fuck sake. Why is anybody helping Blair re-relevant-ize his stupid self by linking to his weak, whiny-ass shit? Now he's pushing the "drugs and booze" made me do it line. Fucking lazy fiction writing wanker.

[Jennifer]

I'm far more likely than most non-Joe posters here to buy into the idea that employers have certain "responsibilities" toward their employees, but even *I* draw the line at thinking employers have to provide hand-holding for employees with mental problems. Christ. If my boyfriend dumps me and I get all depressed about it, maybe Jayson Blair can write a whiny blog post explaining why employers need to provide in-house dating agencies for their single workers.

[DB]

Blair's comments are directed at the HR/EAP programs that steered him to substance-abuse and mental-health counseling and assistance.

These programs have nothing to do with ombudsmen or the news product -- they're health and welfare similar to those provided in all types of workplaces and in all types of industries.

Blair's journalistic misdeeds were manifest. I've got no problem flogging him for those. I won't even quibble with cynics who say he's opining on this topic only to draw attention to himself.

But rather than use the cheap "Jason Blair suggests" joke to get in yet another tired zing at obmudsmen, why not consider the real, and more important, questions:

-- Do EAP programs provide real value to employees who need them?

-- What are the implications of employers stripping away these programs and overall health and welfare benefits in order to cut costs?

[saw-whet]

independat worm,

Now that's what I call a nose-bleeding rant! Rave-on, brother.

[saw-whet]

Sorry for the misspelling, independent. Laughing too hard. And I guess it should be "nose-bleed causing rant."

[Chuck]

EAPs are becoming the private sector version of drug courts. Instead of just firing an employee who is screwing up royally, (s)he now gets the opportunity to claim personal problems, substance abuse, recovered memories, or whatever, and "voluntarily" submit to the EAP's counseling services. Of course, use of these programs is going up dramatically, thereby proving that they are needed and should be more widely adopted.

I have seen EAPs truly help some (a few) people. But that is not eo ipso proof (thanks, Julian!) that they need to be expanded.

[Larry A]

What today's newsrooms really, truly, desperately need are statisticians who can look at the latest "scientific study" and say, "This is crap." and/or, "This scientist has never made an accurate prediction in his/her whole career."

[independent worm]

Larry --- that and some people who know how to ask a damn follow-up question.

saw-whet -- glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 i was actually in a good mood when i wrote that too.

[independent worm]

Just what is this reason/libertarian fetish with ombudsmen? Did an ombudsman hurt you or your family?

Can't sleep... ombudsman'll eat me.... Can't sleep... ombudsman'll eat me.... Can't sleep... ombudsman'll eat me....

[mediageek]

If my boyfriend dumps me and I get all depressed about it, maybe Jayson Blair can write a whiny blog post explaining why employers need to provide in-house dating agencies for their single workers.

Would it be crass of me to suggest that your argument is flawed based on the fact that you'd probably have an inbox stuffed full of phone numbers about five minutes after you became single?

[Jennifer]

Mediageek-
Well, then Jayson Blair can write a post explaining why my employer needs to provide a discount travel agency, since chances are none of those Hit and Run phone numbers will be in the Connecticut area code.

[mediageek]

That works too.