ITEM TITLE:
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Consider amending Council Policy 3-3 Harassment to further define what harassment is, adding what harassing conduct is and adding bullying to the definition; adding new protected classes; adding new persons covered by the policy and adding an Interactions with Citizens section.
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INITIATOR: Craig Akard, Human Resources Director
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Craig Akard, Human Resources Director
BACKGROUND: Harassment is an ongoing issue within workplaces nationwide and it takes many forms. Occasionally, there are new classes of people that are specified by the federal government as being protected classes. Although this policy was last updated in October 2023, there have been some significant changes in the protected classes, as well as bullying happening in the workplace. The changes should make employees feel safer in the workplace as they will have a clearer understanding of what harassment is and what to do if they feel they are the victim of harassment. There are also many employee/citizen interactions every day, whether inside a building or on a worksite and the possibility exists that an negative encounter may occur. With the addition of the Interactions with Citizens section, employees should now be more considerate of our citizens while at work to make sure they do not make our citizens feel uncomfortable while the employees are working. As we pursue excellence in our jobs and the work we do for our citizens, being more aware of citizens and the way they perceive our actions and comments shows that we are striving to provide world-class service and that we are doing everything we can for the citizens.
EXHIBIT: 1. Council Policy 3-3 Harassment with tracked changes; 2. Council Policy 3-3 Harassment clean copy.
KEY ISSUES: N/A
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the amendments to Council Policy 3-3 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the policy.