By Diane M. Calabrese

Principles for behavior, rules of conduct — basically, we all know what they are. Yet just to be sure everyone remains focused on them, policies are codified. A code gets the message out that expectations are both high and standardized. That’s the idea behind
the Code of Excellence formulated by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Introduced in 2005, the Code of Excellence is itself an acronym, so that each letter stands as a reminder of what ought to be done routinely. For instance, the first ‘C’ encapsulates “Come to work on time, fit for duty, and ready to work.”

Parsons Electric LLC was one of the first companies to start training its employees in the Code of Excellence. Essentially, it meant introducing employees to a structure for a system they already knew well. “The Code of Excellence is a commitment to principles we have always adhered to,” says Joel Moryn, President of Parsons Electric. “Putting them in writing allows us a common language in which to speak to our diverse workforce of electricians, project managers, and senior management.”

The ties that begin during training sessions endure. The Code serves as a catalyst to clear, considered thinking on the jobsite. “I have noticed the workers are always talking about it,” says Jim Moryn, Project Manager for Parsons, currently working on a Hilton Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota. “As with safety, if we keep talking about it, they are aware and it will help keep every part of the code fresh in our minds.”

The Code of Excellence

     Come to work on time, fit for duty, and ready to work.
     Obey recognized customer and employer work rules.
     Demonstrate zero tolerance for alcohol and substance abuse.
     Exercise proper safety, health, and sanitation practices.

     Own up to ‘8 for 8’ and be on the job unless otherwise allowed or authorized to leave.
     Follow safe, reasonable, and legitimate management directives.

     Encourage respect for the customer’s rights and property, as well as for others on the job.
   eXercise the skills and abilities of the trade.
     Care for tools and equipment provided by the employer.
     Eliminate waste and other forms of property destruction, including graffiti.
     Limit lunch and break times to allocated periods; adhere to established start and quit times.
     Leave inappropriate behavior to those to those of lesser knowledge.
     Employ the proper tool for the job and maintain personal tool responsibilities.
do Not solicit funds or sell merchandise without Business Manager’s approval.
     Curtail idle time or pursuit of personal business during work hours, including cell phone use.
     Expel job disruptions and refuse to engage in slowdowns or activities designed to extend
          the job or create overtime or any other conduct that would cast IBEW in a bad light.

An enthusiastic supporter of the code program, Jim Moryn often talks to employees about its importance. So does Roger Zdon, Senior Project Manager for Parsons, who is currently working on the MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“It provides a means to reinforce to all what some people feel is common sense and others need to be reminded of,” says Zdon. “We feel that it has made a difference, especially by being a constant reminder to do your job efficiently and professionally.” In rare instances when an employee does not follow the prescripts of the code, it is easier to react. Union and management both want employees to follow the code.

Approximately 175 of the 700 union employees at Parsons belong to IBEW Local 292, which was quick to embrace the Code of Excellence. A joint committee comprised of Minneapolis IBEW leaders and Minneapolis NECA Contractors customized a very good curriculum developed by a similar committee in the Arizona construction market. This tailoring of the code to local needs was an effort that involved labor, management, and the local IBEW/NECA Joint Training Center staff.

“Joel Moryn is part of our labor-management team,” says Steve Claypatch, Business Manager for IBEW Local 292. “Parsons was one of the first shops to step up and see the importance of the Code of Excellence.”

Claypatch was not surprised by the enthusiasm from Parsons that made it an early adopter. “The IBEW 292 partnership with Parsons is one you can’t say anything more positive about — great labor/management relations.” IBEW members also give the code a thumbs-up review. “A super majority of the members think the concept is great,” says Claypatch. The procedures have long been advocated and followed. But the Code of Excellence elevates them, increasing awareness. The code has the effect of adding value for the owner. That value shows up in real dollars. For instance, the ‘F’ in ‘of’ stands for “Follow safe, reasonable, and legitimate management directives,” while the ‘E’ in ‘Code’ stands for “Exercise proper safety, health, and sanitation practices.” Those directives dovetail with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expectations; and in the long term, they keep workers’ compensation claims down and premiums reasonable.

Value also comes through additional work garnered because employees are known to work safely and respectfully. By subscribing to the code, IBEW members declare their intention to do things right the first time without distractions or diversions. Project owners gain value when they can contract for work at a jobsite without worrying about property loss or damage. The code promotes respect for self, colleagues, company management, project owners, and passersby, while it dictates zero tolerance for non-adherents.

Local 292 of IBEW and Minneapolis NECA contractors have had a training program in the Code of Excellence since June 2006. Instructor training, curriculum modifications, and similar initiatives took place first; and then, the employee training began. Parsons employees are trained in several different settings. A Joint Training Center, which is funded partly by the company, is one venue. The program is also delivered to large groups in training rooms at Parsons.

Professional trainers, who have been trained to deliver an eight-hour program in the code, get things started. “These trainers teach multiple classes including other items, such as OSHA and technical training,” says Joel Moryn. Day-to-day, of course, it is the responsibility of each employee to apply what has been learned in the training sessions. “The team building afforded by the training has been noticed by all,” says Moryn.

Foremen quickly embraced the Code of Excellence. At the same time, customers of Parsons, such as Mortenson, have signed on to the program without hesitation, explains Moryn. The code also gives Parsons more leverage in hiring and retaining excellent employees. “Code of Excellence allows Parsons to request a Code of Excellence-trained electrician when we increase our workforce for special projects,” says Moryn. There is great advantage in taking on a new employee already trained in the code.

The Code of Excellence does what all codes do: It brings coherence to the best practices that have been followed for decades. “It has helped us to all understand what principles have made us successful over these last 80 years Parsons has been in existence,”
says Moryn.