Tradeworks, a respectful place
Tradeworks Training Society works for a respectful place to work, visit and use.
In November 2006, a joint management and staff initiative, brought forward through the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, created a respectful workplace policy. It was endorsed and adopted by all those working at Tradeworks.
We know that producing a policy is only the start of a process which requires committment, thought and hard work to maintain.
Our respectful workplace committment follows below. You are welcome to use it as the basis for such a policy in your workplace.
Our committment to a respectful workplace.
We at Tradeworks are committed to creating a safe, caring, healthy and productive workplace where all Tradeworks' employees, and users and visitors to our workplaces, are treated with respect and dignity. The examples below are to help you recognize behaviours that are considered appropriate and consistent with our values. The Q and A section gives some simple reminders of effective communication. This information will help you understand both your responsibilities and rights with respect to this policy.
We recognize that conflicts or disagreements will occur.
We expect all employees to resolve these issues in a manner that contributes to a healthy and productive workplace.
We at Tradeworks promise to respond quickly to complaints about disrespectful behaviour in the workplace, and to resolve issues speedily, openly, honestly and with appropriate privacy.
To create and contribute to a positive, respectful workplace. We encourage each other to:
- be polite, courteous and respectful to others;
- greet, and inquire about, fellow employees', visitors' and users' well-being;
- acknowledge others and create an open and sharing environment;
- treat others equitably and fairly;
- listen to what others have to say;
- be open-minded to other people's ideas, comments and suggestions;
- give positive feedback for ideas, suggestions or work accomplishments;
- suggest improvements where appropriate;
- communicate face to face whenever possible - be aware that other methods can be misinterpreted;
- ensure decision making is influenced only by factors which have a work related purpose;
- recognize and value the diversity of other employees, users and visitors;
- be willing to apologize sincerely to people if you said or did something that may have offended them.
Scope: This statement outlines expected behaviour and responses that are relevant to everyone engaged in the business of the Society, and wherever that business may be conducted; employees, contractors, suppliers, volunteers, directors of the Society, visitors, and program participants. This statement is adopted jointly by management and employees sitting on the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (October 12/06)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: What If someone tells me that I have upset them?
A: Truly the best thing you can do is apologize. Receiving feedback isn't always easy. If you find that someone is telling you that you've acted inappropriately with them, listen hard. One way to think about it is by remembering the word BEST:
Be a good listener
End the conflict by apologizing
Say what you are going to do differently, and
Thank them for having the courage to share their perspective with you. Then act on what you've been told.
Q: How do I tell someone that they have upset me? I don't want to seem too 'sensitive'.
A: Giving someone feedback of this kind is hard; it takes courage. It can also take practice. Here's a way that can help you explain how what they did hurt - HURT:
Help them understand what part of their behaviour is out of line.
Unburden your feelings and explain the affect the behaviour has on you.
Respectfully explain to them what you would like to change.
Tell them calmly but clearly the consequences if nothing changes.
Q: What if someone apologizes to me?
A: Truly the best thing you can do is listen. Receiving an apology isn't always easy. If you find that someone is telling you that they feel they acted inappropriately with you, listen hard. One way to think about it is by remembering the word HELP:
Help the person apologizing with appropriate eye contact, expression, and body language.
Encourage them to say what they have to say by not interrupting.
Listen to the intent behind what they say - we are sometimes clumsy when embarrassed.
Peacefully accept the apology, don't gloat, and thank them for speaking up.
Q: What should I do if I witness disrespectful behaviour between other people?
A: If you witness an exchange that seems disrespectful you have two responsible roles. One is to the target of the behaviour, the other to the person seemingly being disrespectful.
If you observe someone being treated in a disrespectful manner, offer the target your support by encouraging them to bring their concerns to the attention of the other party, as outlined above.
You also have the responsibility to speak with the person who you believe behaved disrespectfully. That person can be encouraged to examine their behaviour and consider if they should apologize, as outlined above.
If neither person takes remedial action, consider reporting the incident yourself, most particularly if one person appears to be intimidated or afraid to take action. You are encouraged to discuss the incident with your supervisor and/or a union steward.
For any conflict which remains unresolved:
If you are a Tradeworks staff member please go to Article 29 of the Collective Agreement for details of steps you can take. If you are not a Tradeworks staff member an extract of these provisions is available from Tradeworks administration staff. These provisions cover Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Personal Psychological Harassment.
