June 23, 2021
Dear Associate,

Happy Thursday!

In this issue, you can find out the latest about COVID, check out some fun photos from Waste & Recycling Workers Week and learn about electrical safety. You can also find out how to invest in yourself and read about the new manager of Granger's health savings accounts.

Thanks for reading, stay safe out there and make today a great Granger day!

Andrea Davis
Communications Manager
COVID Update
As you have probably heard, the State of Michigan has removed almost all the emergency rules surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Agency followed suit earlier this week and removed most of the pandemic requirements that pertain to businesses. 

What does this mean for Granger? 
  • No more required health screen
  • No more required masks (but feel free to wear them if you wish)
  • No more required social distancing
  • No more room occupancy or tool-sharing restrictions
  • No more automatic disinfecting of shared spaces (but wasn’t it nice to have things cleaned more often?)
  • And finally, the separate COVID sick pay that has been a great tool for us to stay safe when the pandemic was raging is now being discontinued except to be used for any necessary vaccine recovery. Regular PTO will now be taken for COVID-related absences. 

The reason these changes were able to be made is the dramatic decrease in positive cases in our state due to the immunity that many have built up from vaccinations or from the disease itself. 

But the disease is not gone altogether, and we now have a chance to practice the Golden Rule and still be cautious, not because we are required to, but because we care about each other’s health. We will continue to have the following expectations for caring for each other at Granger.
  • Non-vaccinated associates who have had close contact with someone who is COVID-positive should inform their supervisor know so that it can be determined if isolating at work is necessary to keep fellow associates from being potentially exposed. 
  • Associates who are symptomatic should be tested and those who are positive for COVID should isolate from work until a medical professional indicates there is no risk to others.

By the way, data is very strong that vaccinated people who have exposure to someone COVID-positive at work or outside work are very well protected.
Waste & Recycling Workers Week is a Wrap!
Last week, we celebrated Waste & Recycling Workers Week with visits to each of our Granger locations. Here's a look at some memories from these visits.

On Monday, we headed to Jackson.
On Tuesday, we brought the luau to Lansing.
Wednesday's event was in Cedar Springs.
Thursday, we headed to Alma for our final appreciation event.
We also took the time to interview some of our associates. You may have seen these interviews on Facebook or on the TV in your area, but here they are again in case you missed them
Vidal Monarrez and Dean Patton from Cedar Springs
Kevin Price from Jackson
Levi Winans from Alma
Carla Wiezorek from Lansing
Three lucky winners were chosen in the drawing on Tuesday. Congratulations to these associates, who will see a little extra money in their paychecks today!

$500 Winner

$300 Winner

$200 Winner
We Want to Hear from You!
If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to complete a short, confidential survey about your level of satisfaction with working at Granger.

Your feedback is important and the survey is anonymous, so please be as honest and specific as you can.

Please complete the survey by June 28.
Electrical Safety
Knowing how to properly use electrical equipment will help you avoid unwanted shock and injury.

  • Before plugging power equipment into wall outlets, be sure power switches are in the “off” position.
  • Unplug electrical equipment by grasping the plug and pulling – don’t pull or jerk the cord to unplug the equipment.
  • Don’t drape power cords over hot pipes, radiators or sharp objects
  • Check outlets for missing or damaged parts and avoid plugging equipment into defective outlets.
  • Check for frayed, cracked or exposed wiring on equipment cords.
  • Don’t use extension cords in office areas.
  • Don’t use electrical equipment or appliances that are not properly grounded.
  • Don’t store any materials, either permanently or temporarily, within three feet of any electrical panel or electrical equipment.

Read more about electrical safety by clicking on the above image to access the full document from the National Safety Council.
Fifth Third Transferring HSAs to HealthEquity
Fifth Third Bank, which currently manages our health savings accounts, will be transferring management of these accounts over to a company called HealthEquity soon.

As the largest HSA administrator in terms of accounts and second largest in number of custodial assets, HealthEquity has a proven track record of supporting employers and helping members gain control over their healthcare and financial future.

In addition to experience and reputation, HealthEquity provides support resources, including 24-hour member services support and convenient education tools for members to manage their accounts.

You do not need to take any action since your account will be automatically transferred over to HealthEquity. You will receive more information about this change in the mail in the near future.
Invest in Yourself
Here are some ways to invest in yourself, many of which won't cost a dime.

  • Invest in your skills and knowledge. Think creatively about ways you can keep learning, whether it's another language, a new skill or new perspectives on the world. Options include classes and degree programs, webinars and workshops, as well as more informal choices.
  • Invest in your health. With a healthy body, you'll have more energy and more to give—now and in the years to come. Make healthy habits, including regular activity and exercise, part of your routine.
  • Invest in your emotional well-being. To build self-awareness and emotional maturity for greater happiness in life, try finding ways to keep stress in check and countering negative self-talk.
  • Invest in your creativity. Find ways to bring more creativity into your life for your own enjoyment and to hone your ability to find new solutions to problems and challenges. 
  • Invest in healthy relationships. Social connections and supportive relationships are closely linked to overall well-being, including emotional and physical health. Invest in yourself by cultivating important relationships.


For more about investing in yourself, view this topic on HelpNet. If you are prompted to log in, use granger as the username.
A Message from the Chaplain
Kudos
There was a tree down on my property and my driver still went and grabbed the cart though it was blocked. I was really thankful and wanted to send some kudos!

—A customer speaking about RJ Rubie

My mother had a stroke recently and we’ve been clearing out her house. Mike always remembers us ladies each time we’re back with more. He’s such a happy, cheerful gentleman. Thank you for being so kind every time.

—A customer speaking about Mike Hartwell

Thank you so much. You were quick to get it out there and the driver was awesome.

—A customer speaking about Scott Niswonger

Yesterday, I was sitting in my driveway in my car, finishing up a text when your guy came to service. He provided exceptional service and brought the cart all the way up to my garage after dumping. He wished me a great day and thanked me for being a customer. He was pleasant and went above and beyond on a hot day for me and I appreciated that. 

—A customer speaking about James Glasscoe

Thank you Melissa for your morning phone call and for arranging for my green can pickup today. Thank you also to Heather, whom I spoke with today at 2:30 PM. It must have been shortly after we said goodbye that a green can truck arrived. 

—A customer speaking about Melissa Connors and Heather Hicks

When the cart was dumped into the truck there was some loose trash that spilled out and blew into our yard. The driver got out and picked it all up. That was so nice of him. Thank you! 

—A customer speaking about Cody Shiel
Earn Extra Cash by Referring Qualified Candidates
You can earn up to $1,000 for each qualified candidate you refer who is hired and stays at least 90 days. Get started by forwarding these links to friends, neighbors and relatives and/or sharing them on your social media accounts:

Inspirational Thoughts from Ron Granger 
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