Professionalism in the Workplace

Purpose: 

The University's commitment to excellence and its position in the community require standards of professional conduct and appearance from employees that are consistent with university and departmental needs, as well as the nature of the position. 

Policy: 

1. Professional Conduct - The University expects all employees to observe the highest standards of professionalism and to treat colleagues, students, vendors, visitors, community members, and others with dignity and respect.  Employees are expected to follow acceptable business principles in all matters, to accept responsibility for the appropriateness of their own conduct and to exhibit a high degree of integrity at all times.  Certain behavior is never acceptable in the workplace.  Inappropriate workplace behavior includes but is not limited to: 
   • Theft
   • Misappropriation of university funds
   • Fighting
   • Falsification of records
   • Breach of confidential information
   • Bribery
   • Threats of violence
   • Providing unauthorized access to university facilities to people not affiliated with the university
   • Unwelcome or unwanted conduct or behavior that causes a negative impact of disruption to the workplace or educational environment, or results in the erosion of employee or student morale
   • Actions or behaviors of an individual or group that are wholly disconnected from concerted or other protected activity that purposely humiliate, intimidate, disparage, demean, or show disrespect for another member of the university community 
   
   Supervisors must address inappropriate behavior that they observe or that is reported related to their employee. Unsatisfactory performance, work habits, overall attitude, conduct and demeanor; violation of University policies, procedures or guidelines or practices; or any other behavior or conduct deemed inappropriate by the University may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
   
   Inappropriate workplace behavior may also rise to the level of unlawful harassment or discrimination when based on an employee’s protected class status such as race, gender, or disability as set forth in the university’s policies relating to unlawful discrimination and harassment based on protected class.
2. Workplace Violence - The university strictly prohibits any type of workplace violence. Any observed or reported form of workplace violence will be thoroughly investigated and an employee found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination. Potentially dangerous situations must be reported immediately to a supervisor, Campus Safety, or Human Resources. Reports or incidents warranting confidentiality will be handled appropriately and confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible. Examples of workplace violence include but are not limited to:
   • Physical violence
   • Causing physical injury to another person;
   • Making threatening remarks;
   • Aggressive or hostile behavior that creates a reasonable fear of injury to another person or subjects another individual to emotional distress;
   • Intentionally damaging employer property or property of another employee;
   • Committing acts motivated by, or related to, sexual harassment or domestic violence
   • Use of weapons of any kind  
   • Direct or implied threat of physical violence toward any member of the Willamette community.
3. Professional Appearance and Personal Hygiene - Employees are required to maintain a neat and clean appearance. Departments should set reasonable standards for professional attire that reflects departmental needs, including, where appropriate, the wearing of standardized uniforms provided by the University at no expense to the employee.  Occasionally, the situation arises in which an employee has an allergic reaction to the fragrance another employee is wearing. In these instances, it is expected that the employee wearing the fragrance will discontinue doing so in the interest of other co-worker's comfort and health. Any questions about attire or hygiene should be discussed with the employee’s immediate supervisor.

Effective Date: September 01, 2024
Responsible Person/Primary Contact: AVP for Human Resources
Responsible University Office: Human Resources