Respectful 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
- Contact City of Calgary Corporate Security at 403-268-8868
- Report the incident online
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.