RESPONSIBLE CITY AGENCY: Division of Human Resources
KEYWORDS: Courtesy, respect, disrespect, behavior, gestures.
1.General
1.1 The City has an interest in ensuring that all City employees work in a respectful environment in which they are treated fairly and can focus on getting their work done. All city employees should conduct themselves in a manner that will not disrupt the workplace, undermine the authority of management, impair close working relationships, offend the public or otherwise impede the effective operation of City government. The goal is a workplace in which employees express their opinions in a respectful manner so that issues can be discussed freely and where, when someone makes a mistake, he or she is coached and encouraged to improve. The goal is a workforce that shows consideration of others by dressing appropriately for the workplace, being aware of fellow employees’ workloads, responding promptly to requests or questions, and using appropriate language and behavior.
1.2 All city employees will demonstrate the highest level of courteous and respectful behavior in all dealings with coworkers, supervisors, subordinates, and the public.
1.3 Violation of this policy can result in non-disciplinary intervention or disciplinary action.
2.Courteous and Respectful Behavior Towards Employees by Supervisors
2.1 Supervisors should display courtesy and respect in words, deeds and actions towards those they supervise and all City employees. Abusive, inappropriately loud, combative, aggressive, threatening language or behavior will not be tolerated.
2.2 Correction of employees and all discussions with employees should be conducted in an appropriate manner and without the use of offensive, abusive or disrespectful language. Differences of opinion should be handled privately and discreetly.
2.3 Supervisors and other in authority should not subject employees to ridicule and gossip or otherwise undermine the employee’s morale or workplace relationships.
2.4 Supervisors and others in authority should not make false, inaccurate or malicious allegations against an employee.
2.5 Constructive criticism, intended to instruct or clarify should be welcomed, while destructive criticism, intended to demean or cause harm should not be practiced.
3.Courteous and Respectful Behavior Towards Supervisors
3.1 Employees should display courtesy and respect in words, deeds and actions towards personnel holding higher levels of authority. Abusive, inappropriately loud, combative, aggressive, threatening language or behavior will not be tolerated.
3.2 Disagreements with supervisors should be expressed in an appropriate manner and without the use of offensive, abusive or disrespectful language or actions. Differences of opinion should be handled privately and discreetly.
3.3 Employees should not subject supervisors or others holding higher levels of authority to ridicule or gossip or otherwise undermine their authority.
3.4 Employees should not make false, inaccurate or malicious allegations against a supervisor or other person in authority.
4.Courteous and Respectful Behavior Between Employees
4.1 Employees should display courtesy and respect in words, deeds and actions towards all City employees. Abusive, inappropriately loud, combative, aggressive, threatening language or behavior will not be tolerated.
4.2 Disagreements with other City employees should be expressed in an appropriate manner and without the use of offensive, abusive or disrespectful language or actions. Differences of opinion should be handled privately and discreetly.
4.3 Employees should not subject other employees to ridicule and gossip or otherwise undermine the employee’s morale or workplace relationships.
4.4 Employees should not make false, inaccurate or malicious allegations against another employee.
5.Courteous and Respectful Behavior Toward the Public
5.1 City employees should display courtesy and respect in words, deeds and actions in all dealings with the public. Abusive, loud, combative, aggressive, threatening language or behavior will not be tolerated.
CURRENT REFERENCES: Standards of Conduct Policy
EFFECTIVE DATE (Date signed by the Mayor): May 7, 2007