Respect in Our Workplace
I am responsible for: respect in our workplace
Respect is the foundation for a productive and thriving workplace. It is ingrained in our values and culture. The City is committed to supporting a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment.
While creating and sustaining a respectful workplace is a collective effort, there are many things we can do on our own to make The City a great place to work. Whether you are representing The City from your cubicle, from your flexible workstation or from a City vehicle, you are expected to behave in a respectful manner in every interaction, every day.
Respectful behaviours
Be inclusive:
- Recognize that we all have unique backgrounds, communication styles, and work styles.
- Create and protect an environment that is free of harassment and discrimination, including racism and sexual harassment, for the benefit of all employees.
- Consider how your words, actions, and gestures might impact people differently.
- Value the various thoughts, perspectives, and experiences in our diverse workforce that contribute to innovation and an enriched work environment.
- Be flexible, patient, and constructive when navigating challenging conversations and situations.
- Contribute to an inclusive workplace culture, in which everyone feels safe to fully engage and be themselves.
Setting an example:
- I assume the best about colleagues and citizens.
- If someone is new or unfamiliar with a task, I help them.
- I try to be adaptable and accommodate different styles and situations.
- I listen to customers, partners, colleagues, and other interested groups to understand their valuable knowledge and ideas.
- I am aware of my own perceptions when I interact with people who are different from me, as well as the triggers that make me uncomfortable.
Be an ambassador:
- Show respect in interactions with agencies and other partners.
- Always strive to listen, respect, and act.
- Express curiosity and interest in others’ views and approaches.
- Communicate respectfully in public and through personal social media when identifiable as a City employee.
Setting an example:
- I am kind. If I’m in the park and see someone fall, I ask them if they would like help.
- If I notice kids in the community, I give a friendly wave.
- If a customer appears upset, I take the time to listen to their point of view.
- I keep the tone of my electronic communications thoughtful and friendly.
Assume responsibility:
- Address conflicts in a positive and productive way.
- Speak up when you see disrespectful behaviour.
- Support colleagues who are dealing with challenges.
- Check for mutual understanding.
- Make decisions that promote a respectful and inclusive workplace.
Setting an example:
- If I make a mistake, I apologize.
- If I accidentally hurt someone’s feelings, sense of self, or sense of security, I apologize.
- I refuse to be a bully.
- I step in when someone else is being treated poorly.
- I refuse to be drawn into inappropriate actions or behaviours.
- I do not use profane, vulgar, or abusive language, whether in person, electronically, or on social media.
- I include all members of my team in relevant activities and decision-making.
Behaviours to avoid: I will not…
- Harm another person’s dignity or sense of well-being.
- Touch someone without their consent.
- Gossip and/or discredit a co-worker by sharing information that is not true or not yours to share.
- Post or send intimidating messages or images to or about a colleague.
- Make comments that ridicule or berate others.
- Intimidate someone through your physical presence, the volume of your voice, or the use of information, seniority, or a position of authority.
- Behave or act in a discriminating way based on a person’s race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, age, or other Human Rights Protected Grounds.
- Undermine someone’s performance or contribution.
- Make sexually suggestive comments, jokes, advances, or requests.
- Make jokes that are hurtful, humiliating, demeaning, belittling, or offensive.
- Share or view graphic, demeaning, or pornographic images using City devices or while at work.
Definitions
I always have choices. Which one feels right to me?
A co-worker sends me an email that includes an offensive joke and language. What should I do?
Speak up
Not saying something, either to the person sending you the email, your leader or to your HR Business Partner, shows a willingness to tolerate disrespectful behaviour. This makes the behaviour more likely to continue. Taking the time to address the situation in a calm and rational way can help us build and maintain a respectful workplace – one where we all feel included and accepted.
More examples
Learn more
Policies
Respect in Our Workplace is supported by the:
Resources
Resources supporting Respect in Our Workplace can be found in the resource section.
If you are unsure: ask questions and seek guidance
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Your leader is there to provide clarity on expectations in the workplace and to support you.
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If you are not comfortable speaking to your leader, you can speak with their leader. The Corporate Organizational Chart can help you identify who this is.
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The HR Business Partner in your business unit can answer some of your questions or help you find someone who can. If you need to find contact information for your HR Business Partner call: 403-268-5800