Respectful workplace

Respect in the workplace

Committed to supporting a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.

City employees are expected to behave in a respectful manner in all interactions, and to speak up if they see something inappropriate. 

On this page

Immediate safety concern

  • Remove yourself
  • Call 9-1-1
Current employees also:

Create a respectful workplace

The first step to creating a respectful workplace is understanding what behaviours are appropriate and inappropriate. Consider how your own actions may affect those around you.

Professional behaviour that models the 4Cs and contributes to a respectful, safe and healthy workplace. 

Example behaviours:

  • Polite and courteous
  • Open to ideas and opinions
  • Being inclusive
  • Being an ally
  • Using chosen pronouns
  • Sincerely apologizing
  • Expressing appreciation
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Using greetings, asking about others’ well-being
  • Respecting and valuing others’ differences

Disrespectful, impolite behaviour that reflects poor judgement and can affect  the workplace. 

Example behaviours:

  •  Careless humour or sarcasm
  • Incivility, rudeness
  • Interrupting
  • Yelling and shouting
  • Insults and put downs
  • Preventing input
  • Gossiping
  • Excessive profanity
  • Taking credit for someone else’s work

Behaviour that requires immediate action and should be reported to your leader or Human Resources. 

Example behaviours:

  • Bullying, harassment
  • Deliberate exclusion from work
  • Threats or intimidation
  • Abuse of authority
  • Unwelcome comments, jokes that humiliate
  • Practical jokes or sarcasm that result in embarrassment or awkwardness
  • Targeted, repeated yellow zone behaviours

Very serious violation of the Respectful Workplace Policy, Workplace Violence or other City policies.

Example behaviours:

  • Racism
  • Harassment based on gender
    identity, gender expression
  • Sexual harassment and assault
  • Concerns against senior
    City leaders
  • Displays of pornographic,
    racist, offensive materials
  • Unwelcome comments or
    jokes relating to a person’s
    age, gender, disability, sexual
    orientation, etc.
  • Targeted, repeated orange
    zone behaviours

Steps to handle a respectful workplace concern

If are affected by inappropriate workplace behaviour, use the following steps to help you navigate the situation.

Conflict resolution conversation starters

Tips to help you prepare for challenging conversations.

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Definitions and resources

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