Creating a Respectful Workplace Discrimination & Harassment: Keeping it out of the Workplace

Creating a Respectful WorkplaceDiscrimination &

Harassment: Keeping it out of the

Workplace

Purpose of this Session

Expand on the awareness of what constitutes discrimination and harassment.

Remind all employees of their rights/responsibilities with respect to discrimination and harassment.

Purpose of this Session

Endorse UFA’s Managerial and Human Resources corresponding legal obligations to create and maintain a healthy, safe, and respectful work environment.

View an 18 minute video displaying specific examples and answering questions at the end.

Harassment Defined

Conduct (verbal, non-verbal, physical) or innuendo that intimidates, offends or humiliates a person.

Conduct that is reasonably known to be unwelcome.

Disrespectful Non-Verbal Behavior

ExamplesRolling of eyesShrugging of shouldersFacial expressions (eyebrows)Folding of arms (Closed vs Open)Turning of head or looking upWalking away silent- A good thing!Tense body language, clenching fist(s)

Disrespectful Verbal Behavior Examples

“What are you doing that for!!”“My way or the highway”“Because I’m the boss…that’s why!“Do it this way because I said so!”“Do it or else!!”“You guys just don’t get it”Others ????

Examples of Discrimination/Harassm

entRaceEthnic originNational originColorReligionAgeSex

Marital statusFamily statusDisabilitySexual orientationGranted a pardon for a conviction

Teased Topics…Future Harassment???

Clothes you wearHeight or lack ofFrom the West,East, North, SouthHair Style, wear glasses, JewelryFrom a certain town …Edmonton???Way you talk, walk, etc.

Teased Topics…Future Harassment???

WeightHair Color or lack of hairHabits you haveSmoker or non-smokerKind of food you like/ eatCar you drive

Teased Topics…Future Harassment???

Perfumes, etc.Drinker, non-drinkerRecovering drinkerOthers??

Quid Pro QuoSexual Harassment

Made by a position of power

This can apply to co-workers where a worker is in a position to grant or deny a benefit of another

Threats of reprisal for negating/rejecting a sexual advance

Work Environment Examples

Office and buildings (company related)

Cafeterias, Washrooms

Social Functions (staff)

Drinking Establishments

Work Environment Examples

Lunch rooms

Parking lots

Vehicles (work related transportation)

Off premises locations for work (conference/ hotel rooms)

Sexual Harassment Defined

Persistent staring or leering

Discussions about sexual activities

Moving into someone’s personal space

Displayed pornographic pictures (Magazines/Internet)

Sexual suggestive comments

Sexual Harassment Defined

Asking for lunch date – after told NO!

Explicit propositions

Touching, Sexual assault

Crude, vulgar, or sexist language

Racial Harassment Defined

Verbal abuse or threats

Unwelcome remarks, slurs, jokes, gestures, innuendos, name calling

Graffiti (degrading words, messages)

Display of racist, derogatory materials

Distribution of derogatory materials

Racial Harassment Defined

Practical jokes – causing embarrassment

Exclusions or avoidance due to race/ethnicity

Threatening, terrorizing

Vandalism or intimidation

Harassment and Discrimination

For SymcorAffects the lives of all involved

Impacts work morale

Absenteeism

Creates staff turnover

For Symcor

Production declines (revenues/ bonuses)

Disciplinary Action

Public Scrutiny

Tainted reputation

Litigation

Basic Principles of Behavior

Lead by example, treat others with respect.

Treat others with dignity – always!

Treat everyone equitably and fairly

Respect people’s boundaries

Model Behavior Principles

Is my behavior respectful towards my co-workers? – Ask if unsure.

Do you treat your cared family, friends, and relatives the same way?

How would I react if a co-worker treated my friend/relative like this?

Is my behavior making someone uncomfortable?

Barriers for not Reporting

Loss or personal privacy

Embarrassment

Belief that nothing will change

Belief that people’s attitudes and behaviors cannot be changed

Barriers for not Reporting

Belief of having no influence

Fear of retaliation

Fear of job loss

Not being believed

Guilt, shame

Managing a Complaint

Deal with complaint promptly!Take complaint seriouslyDiscuss confidentiallyBe sensitive but neutralTake notesGet the entire storyThank the complainantSet a follow-up time – Quickly afterwards

Personal Approach Technique

“I feel _________ (describe how the behavior makes you feel) when you _______ (describe the offensive behavior; focus on the behavior not the person) because _____ (describe the effect on your performance)”

Tell the offender how you want him/her to change the behavior; provide a solution.

Tell the offender what you will do if he/she persists with their behavior.

Personal Approach Technique

Zorba, I feel uncomfortable when you call me “Babe” because I am a married person and don’t appreciate these comments.“I would appreciate you not calling me “Babe” and call me by my first name.”“If this continues, I will have to talk with my Manager or Human Resources.”

Future Questions

Ron Bolokoski (403) 258-4622

Randy Massie (403) 258-7404

CSO HR Manager (403) 212-3566