Professionalism Policy

HR-28 Professionalism Policy
Department	Human Resources
Creation Date	May 1, 2008
Approval Date	August 1, 2014
Effective Date	August 1, 2014

Organizational Scope

The Professionalism policy will apply to all employees.

Purpose

This policy reflects our commitment to our mission of enhancing the health of individuals and communities in Ontario and beyond through the advancement of applied health sciences and associated professions. It utilizes our values as a foundation to articulate a standard of behaviour expected of every employee, staff member, student and volunteer working within the Michener community.  It is also intended to help support our strategic intent of Best Experience, Best Education.

As employees of Michener, we are in a position of trust and as such, must read and know this policy on professionalism and utilize sound judgement in its application. This policy cannot cover everything and clearly there is no one solution for every situation.  As such, there may be times when you may need to seek advice from a Human Resources representative or from your manager.  Please remember that for all situations, our expectation is that you will strive for the highest standard because, at Michener, honouring the mission, vision and values is everyone’s responsibility.

Employees, staff members, students and volunteers shall be responsible for promoting a positive, professional environment at Michener. In addition, an employee shall avoid any personal act or omission that may adversely affect staff relations, the proper performance of one’s role and/or delivery of services.

Policy

Employee Accountability

As a condition of employment, all employees of Michener are accountable for their personal, professional and ethical behaviour within Michener as set forth in this policy on professionalism.

Condition of Employment

Acceptance of employment with Michener signifies acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined in this policy.  Failure to observe the policy will result in corrective action including discipline, up to and including termination.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Everyone is responsible for supporting Michener’s Privacy Policy. All student health & staff information, and other confidential or non-public information, including proprietary information, is to be handled properly in order to protect it from inappropriate access, use and disclosure.

Conflict of Interest

We conduct ourselves in a manner that avoids actual or apparent conflicts of interest and that protects Michener’s reputation. This includes not speaking to media unless authorized, keeping personal views separate from professional opinions when representing Michener and not using one’s position or title to promote political opinions, products or services which are not endorsed by Michener.  Further, employees shall refrain from damaging or defamatory comments about the organization.

Professionalism and Professional Attire (Michener’s Values)

All employees are accountable for conducting themselves in a responsible and ethical manner that upholds and promotes Michener’s values. This includes representing Michener in a professional manner at all times by applying the highest standards of ethical behaviour, appropriate conduct, and professional attire in everything we do.

Providing a Safe and Secure Environment

We expect everyone at Michener to promote a culture of sensitivity, understanding, trust and integrity. We believe that everyone, including staff, students, visitors and volunteers is an equal citizen in the Michener community and has the right to an environment that is safe.

Our work policies and processes are designed to minimize risk. We all have a responsibility to review and improve workplace conditions to ensure a safe environment.  We respect the environment in which we live and work.  Our services and products, including those from our suppliers, reflect this concern.

Reporting Misconduct

Employees are required to report conduct contrary to this policy on professionalism either to their manager or Human Resources. Michener employees at all levels are prohibited from taking retribution against anyone for reporting or supplying information about such violations.  The essence of this clause is to encourage employees to speak up and to do so within a safe environment.

Respect of the Workplace

At Michener we believe respect comes with the understanding that each person is unique, with intrinsic dignity and worth. Everyone at Michener has a responsibility for building and maintaining an environment or respect which includes being considerate in how we communicate and interact with each other.

Substance Abuse

An employee whose ability to carry out his/her prescribed duties due to the misuse of alcohol or drugs shall be subject to a progressive process of counselling and progressive discipline up to and including termination of employment. If the employee believes that substance abuse is impacting his/her work, it is his/her responsibility to seek support from either their manager, EAP (Employee Assistance Program) or Human Resources.

If, in the judgement of the manager, an employee’s ability to work safely or effectively is compromised, the employee may be sent home. The employer’s responsibility is to work with the employee and Human Resources as part of a disability management process and such process shall be administered in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Theft and Fraud

No employee may appropriate for his/her own use (or for the use of others) property of the Michener without the authorization of the management representative responsible for the property. Any employee who is found guilty of theft or fraud shall be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

Associated Documentation

See Michener’s related Policies:

• Accommodation Policy
• Computer Use Policy
• Conflict Resolution Policy
• Harassment and Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Policy
• Intellectual Property Policy
• Workplace Anti-Violence Policy

Revision History