Towards a Workplace
Free of Conflict and Harassment
Departmental Policy - January 2001
Additional Information
References
The work environment is the responsibility of all employees of the Department of Justice. When an employee -- be it a manager, supervisor, senior manager or other person -- displays unacceptable behaviour, a cavalier or clearly unwelcome attitude,
this behaviour is likely to make many of the people who work with this employee uncomfortable.
Such behaviour causes countless problems and even has psychological repercussions, to say nothing of the often invisible financial costs, such as decreased productivity and loss of motivation.
Turning a blind eye to aggressiveness or harassment is tantamount to condoning unacceptable behaviour, not to mention the risk of escalation. More often than not, this leads to a deterioration in the work atmosphere and a generalized pattern of
such behaviour.
Moreover, employees must display a spirit of cooperation and civility in their relations with other employees. Disrespectful, insulting, vulgar or impertinent behaviour towards management can be considered insubordination or, if displayed towards
other employees, misconduct. The display of such behaviour by a manager to an employee will be treated the same way.
Threats or acts of physical or psychological violence between managers and employees cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. This type of conduct is a serious offence that requires an appropriate response.
That is why, at the first sign of conflict or harassment, action must be taken. Keeping silent or refusing to acknowledge that a problem exists solves nothing. It makes the situation worse. By working together, we can achieve a harmonious,
respectful and healthy workplace.
For more information on the Policy on Conflict and Harassment in the Workplace:
Visit the Intranet site of the Office of Conflict Management at: http://dojnet/ConfRes_e/Default.htm
or
Contact the Office:
Canadian Human Rights Act
Public Service Staff Relations Act
Access to Information Act
Privacy Act
Treasury Board's Policy entitled Harassment in the Workplace
Treasury Board Manual, volume on "Labour Relations": chapter 4, Grievance Procedure, and chapter 6, Discipline
This policy replaces the policy on the same subject published by the Department of Justice in November 1995, entitled "Towards a Conflict and Harassment-Free Workplace".
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