We all have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Respect is one of the foundational pillars for the City of Stratford's Corporate Values and supports our Municipality's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. A respectful workplace encourages everyone to behave courteously, be professional, and show the same respect for others as an individual would wish for themselves. The City of Stratford is committed to supporting our employees' and members of Council’s right to work in an inclusive, safe and respectful work environment.
The City’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of the public, our employees, and members of Council. If at any time an individual feels threatened in the City’s workplace, they are to call the Police immediately. Employees, Council members or members of the public are NOT expected to put themselves at risk or jeopardize their safety or that of others, when dealing with any perceived or real threatening situation.
Click to view our Respectful Workplace Policy
What Behaviour is NOT allowed? |
The following list provides examples of what is considered disrespectful and/or inappropriate behaviour but is not limited to, the following:
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Additional Definitions |
City Facilities: for the purposes of the Respectful Workplace policy means, but is not restricted to, all land, property, structures, installations, vehicles or equipment owned, leased, operated, used, or otherwise controlled by the City for the purpose of conducting business operations. City Workplace: means any location where an employee is carrying out any work-related function. The meaning of workplace may also be extended if workplace violence occurs outside the workplace but has an adverse effect on employee relationships in the workplace. This may include social functions, training and conferences, during travel, at restaurants, hotels or meeting facilities being used for business purposes, during telephone, email or other electronic communications such as texting and instant messaging and social media. Code-based Harassment: defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code means engaging in a course or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome based on one or more of the protected grounds listed in the Code, that a person knows or ought to know would be unwelcome, offensive, embarrassing or hurtful. Discrimination: any practice or behaviour, whether intentional or not, which has a negative impact on an individual or group of people protected under the Human Rights Code by excluding, denying benefits or imposing burdens upon them. Discrimination may arise as a result of direct differential treatment or it may result form the unequal effect of treating individuals and groups in the same way. Disrespectful and Inappropriate Behaviour: means behaviours that obstruct or hinder the ability of people to work and access the City’s facilities, services, programs or events, that are known or ought to be known to cause emotional harm and/or compromise the safety and health of people. Disrespectful, inappropriate, and vexatious behaviours are specifically defined further in the City's Respectful Workplace policy and are prohibited by the City. Harassment: engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought to be reasonably to be known as unwelcome. Protected Grounds: Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits harassment and discrimination on the basis of the following protected grounds race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Racial Harassment: harassment on the grounds of race. It may also be associated with the grounds of colour, ancestry, where a person was born, a person’s religious belief, ethnic background, citizenship or even a person’s language. Respectful Workplace: is characterized by courteous and considerate behaviour towards others; inclusion of all persons of different backgrounds, cultures or opinions; safety from inappropriate behaviour; and includes constructive resolution of disputes. Workplace Violence (as defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act):
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Members of the Public |
ExpectationsThe City of Stratford is committed to providing quality service to all members of the public. Our staff work to provide consistent, fair, and reasonable customer service and in turn, expect to be treated in the same manner. All City facility, program, and property users are expected to treat staff and other patrons with respect and dignity during their visits and participations. Dealing with disrespectful and inappropriate behaviour:Members of the public are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from any City employee in close proximity if experiencing disrespectful or inappropriate conduct from anyone on our premises. If they feel their safety is at risk they should call the Police. Reporting a ConcernMembers of the public can report acts of disrespectful and inappropriate behaviour they experience or witness towards City employees or other visitors on our premises. To report a concern, they can notify a City employee on premises to assist and will be directed to complete a Respectful workplace report through our online incident form or call the City (519)-271-0250 x 5278. The employees and management involved with the incident will follow the guidelines of the Respectful Workplace Policy when responding to an occurrence of disrespectful and inappropriate behaviour. |
Members of Council |
All Council Members can be champions for a respectful workplace by:
Dealing with disrespectful and inappropriate behaviour:Members of Council who encounter disrespectful and inappropriate conduct as defined in this policy during the course of administering their duties are encouraged to seek guidance and assistance from the Integrity Commissioner. |
Employees and Volunteers |
Every employee while representing the City is expected to behave in a courteous, helpful and professional manner in all interactions. All employees can be champions for a respectful workplace by:
Employees are encouraged to address disrespectful behaviour. Not saying anything, either to the person being disrespectful, reporting it to your manager or Human Resources, promotes continued inappropriate behaviour. When situations are addressed in a respectful way, it indicates that there is a zero tolerance for inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour in our workplace. Dealing with incidents in our workplace:
Dealing with incidents while on City business off-site:Employees who participate in City business off site who are confronted with disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe under any of our workplace policies many politely excuse themselves from the interaction. An employee can indicate to those participating that they are uncomfortable with the conduct as it is not permitted by the City. They can also explain that they will notify their manager/director who will make alternate arrangements to address the members of the public concerns in a respectful manner. The employee will report any incident of this nature to their manager/director as soon as possible. Dealing with incidents via written or electronic communication (phone, email, social media):Employees who encounter disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour as outlined in this policy while carrying out their duties, should always respond in a professional and dignified manner. Employees are directed to alert their manager/director of any problem of this nature, so that they may receive guidance and direction on the proper course of action and response. Reporting a ConcernEmployees are encouraged to report any incidents of workplace harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination or violence. Employees can report an incident by completing the Respectful Workplace Incident Report Form and submitting a copy to the Director of Human Resources by emailing hr@stratford.ca Please refer to the appropriate policy and procedures listed below for further detains on the process. Additional Policies and Procedures |
Related City Policies |
Resources and Related Documents |
If you have any questions or concerns about the Respectful Workplace policy, contact Human Resources by calling 519-271-0250 or email Human Resource's Office.