Workplace Expectations

Policy HR-150, SPU Workplace Expectations Effective Oct. 28, 2022, rev. no. 2

Table of Contents

Workplace Expectations for Everyone 2

Work Safely and Properly 3

Respect the Rights of Others 5

Embrace Diversity 6

Establish Trust with Others 7

Use Humor Wisely 7

Be Productive and Reliable 8

Display Integrity 10

Search for Creative Solutions 12

Build Partnerships 13

Workplace Expectations for People Leaders 14

Provide a Safe Work Environment 14

Provide a Work Environment Free of Discrimination 15

Forecast, Plan, Schedule, Coordinate and Manage Resources 16

Anticipate and Fill Vacant Positions in a Timely Manner in Compliance with Applicable Policies 17

Provide Leadership and Make Decisions 18

Foster Open Communication and Evaluate Job Performance 19

This document was produced by Seattle Public Utilities' Human Resources Division.

Seattle Public Utilities Human Resources Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, 49th Floor

Policy HR-150, SPU Workplace Expectations Effective Oct. 28, 2022, rev. no. 2

Workplace Expectations for Everyone

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a dynamic and multi-faceted organization committed to our mission of providing reliable, efficient, and environmentally conscious utility services that enhance the quality of life and livability in the communities that we serve. SPU is also committed to providing a safe, yet high-performance workplace with a diverse and inspired workforce. As an employee, you play an important role in helping the department carry out our mission.

Employees are our most important resource. We value your contribution and the teamwork of every branch, division and work unit that help us achieve our mission.

We can only achieve an effective and productive job performance by balancing many factors that keep us healthy as individuals and as an organization . SPU's core values should be reflected throughout our workforce and ultimately help us build a culture of teamwork which we refer to as 'One Team'.

This Workplace Expectations document explains the department's general expectations for your conduct in the workplace. We believe it is essential to build a consistent and positive work atmosphere in which we all live up to these expectations.

If you have questions about any of the following expectations, please talk with your supervisor.

Work Safely and Properly

You are expected to prevent injuries and accidents, and follow all governmental regulation and departmental safety programs

Understand and comply with applicable government and department safety regulations

Wear protective clothing and use appropriate safety equipment while performing job duties

Practice defensive driving at all times

Select, purchase and use equipment and supplies that are safe

Use property, equipment and supplies safely to avoid misuse of city property that could result in injury to yourself or others

Report all accidents, injuries, close calls and hazardous conditions to your supervisor immediately

You are expected to support and advance the department's safety culture

Accept safety as a personal responsibility for yourself and your co-workers

Promote accident prevention by intervening, correcting and reporting unsafe acts or practices

Work safely and look out for your co-workers

Work Safely and Properly (cont.)

You are expected to obtain all required safety training

Secure, maintain and renew proper certifications and licenses required for your job title

Verify and ensure that you maintain the legally required safety training for your job title

Communicate with your supervisor to schedule and attend your required safety training

You are expected to remain alert and prepared for emergency situations

Read and adhere to the department's emergency, safety, and security policies

Keep your city identification card (SPU photo key card) on your person at all times

Report any suspicious activity immediately to your supervisor

Respect the Rights of Others

You are expected to respect the rights of others

Treat all people you meet in the workplace with dignity and respect and refrain from using insulting, threatening or offensive language

Do not engage in unacceptable behavior including inappropriate gestures, touching, unwelcome sexual behavior, displaying offensive materials, etc.

Report alleged discrimination or harassment to supervisors for immediate investigation and resolution

Value the time, workloads and deadlines of others by being punctual and responds to requests in a timely manner

Follow through with commitments and notify appropriate parties if you are unable to fulfill those commitments

Show respect, courtesy and appreciation for all internal and external customers

Be polite to co-workers, colleagues, supervisory staff and customers

Recognize that most conflicts can be resolved through good judgment, open communication and a willingness to seek compromise and build upon mutual interests

Endeavor to resolve conflict at the lowest level through open and respectful discussion of the problem with those involved

Bring the matter to the attention of your immediate supervisor and follow the normal chain of command to resolve conflict when necessary

Keep your supervisor apprised of problems and conflicts and any resolutions achieved

Embrace Diversity

You are expected treat everyone equally

Respect co-workers and recognize that the workforce is made up of individuals from various cultural, racial and social backgrounds and sexual orientations

Promote a work environment that is hospitable to everyone and their diverse cultural, ethnic and social backgrounds

Support a work environment free of discrimination and refrain from engaging in conversation or behavior that devalues human dignity

Listen to and respect to others' point of view

You are expected to eliminate biases based on race in order to promote social justice and equity

Support the city's Race and Social Justice Initiative

Be responsive to the needs of the diverse Seattle residents, customers and employees we serve and use the Race and Social Justice tools to identify and address service biases and inequity

Design and implement relevant programs and services for our multi-cultural residents and businesses and those with fewer economic resources

Enhance competitive opportunities for Women and Minority Business Enterprises (WMBE) vendors and contractors

Establish Trust with Others

You are expected to be honest, responsive and trustworthy

Represent to the public in good faith the adopted or official position of the utility on an issue

Provide accurate and complete information in response to requests as soon as possible

Listen attentively to praise and criticism from customers, supervisors and co-workers

Work honorably and professionally

Use Humor Wisely

You are expected to use humor wisely and refrain from offending co-workers, customers and other stakeholders

Use humor that is not targeted at the expense

of others (for example, poking fun at yourself and your difficulty in achieving a particular task may be acceptable, while fun at others may be offensive)

Make no racial or sexual comments, jokes or slurs

Incorporate humor to lighten a tense situation, put things into perspective, or gain a different point of view

Use your personality and sense of humor to benefit others or to move past an obstacle

Keep your use of humor relevant

Humor

We have fun and promote a positive work environment.

Be Productive and Reliable

You are expected to perform job duties effectively and productively

Take responsibility for your job performance

Set work priorities and practices that support the department's Strategic Business Plan and assist your branch, division and work unit in achieving its performance goals

Seek appropriate assistance to resolve problems or difficulties that interfere with your work

Perform your job duties within the standards set for your position and notify your supervisor when backlogs or unexpected priority work threaten to delay essential tasks

Recognize that you are providing important essential services and that you represent the department when dealing with the public and others

You are expected to provide the best customer service possible

Customer service is the responsibility of all employees

Be easy to reach be prepared show you care own the problem act quickly

Provide prompt, courteous and responsive customer service internally and externally

Seek solutions to job-related problems that impede customer service

Convey friendly and caring service, flexibility, problem solving and rapid recovery from mistakes

Be Productive and Reliable (cont.)

You are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and able to work a full shift

Notify your supervisor or designee of your absence as much in advance as possible and in accordance with established procedures and/or directions given by your supervisor

Use sick leave appropriately, following city and department policies

Comply with scheduling procedures for vacations, breaks and lunch time provisions

Complete and submit timesheets on time and ensure that you report your time accurately

Perform all assigned job duties effectively and productively, and within the standards set for your position

Know in advance what expectations the department may have for you in the event of snow and ice or other emergencies and make every effort to report to work in these circumstances if the department and the city are depending on your crew or work unit

Do not leave the workplace during working hours without your supervisor's knowledge

You are expected to report to work fit for duty

Arrive well-rested and alert to ensure sound judgment and safe job performance

Arrive free from the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol. Violations of the City's Drug-Free Workplace Policy may subject an employee to disciplinary actions

Abstain from using, buying, selling or possessing alcohol and illicit drugs in the workplace

Display Integrity

You are expected to work ethically

Comply with all local, state and federal regulations and ordinances, including internal policies and procedures

Comply with the City's Code of Ethics (Seattle Municipal Code: Title 4 - Personnel, Chapter 4.16 - Code of Ethics)

Comply with SPU department policies regarding ethical standards

Seek information regarding ethical standards, conflict of interest, and appearance of conflict of interest when you have questions regarding your job

Inform the city of any entity doing business with the city when an employee or his/her immediate family has a financial interest in the business

Bring questions about ethics to the attention of your supervisor or seek clarification in city or departmental policies

Display Integrity (cont.)

You are expected to conduct yourself with integrity, honesty and professionalism

Offer suggestions for improvement in the performance of your work unit and the department through your supervisor or other established means

Work honorably and professionally

Follow through with commitments and notify the relevant parties when unable to fulfill them

Understand and distinguish between your role and responsibilities as a city employee and your role as a citizen volunteer in order to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest

Keep sensitive business information and personnel issues confidential as appropriate

Department and City policies prohibit:

Unsanctioned use of city property for private purposes (reasonable and limited use of the city's communications equipment is permitted as long as occurrences are occasional, brief and do not interfere with your assigned work)

Accepting gifts, gratuities and items of value in exchange for performing your regular job function or from people with whom the city does business

Conducting non-department business during work time and/or using department assets for this type of activity

Providing specific vendor recommendations to the public for repair or work on private facilities

Soliciting work on behalf of oneself, other individuals or businesses while on the job

Participating in the hiring, promotion or supervision of any relative/domestic partner, or any person with whom the employee has a significant financial interest

Working on campaigns for political candidates or ballot measures during business hours, or using office facilities for any political campaign

Performing transactions on your own SPU customer accounts or those of your coworkers, friends, family or other people that you know

Search for Creative Solutions

You are expected to embrace organizational change

Maintain an open mind to new and creative initiatives and ideas

Continually evaluate how and why services are provided

Accept organizational change that occurs after discussion and input

Seek out innovative solutions to challenges

Preserve a creative environment that fosters new ideas, flexibility and change

Build Partnerships

You are expected to engage and promote healthy and open communications with co-workers, your supervisor and the public

Work cooperatively with others on common issues to achieve mutual goals supporting SPU's 'One Team' culture

Recognize and acknowledge the excellent customer service and work performance of your co-workers in the workplace

Maintain and exhibit a positive, can-do attitude toward your job and co-workers

Keep an open mind to others' perspectives

Assist positively in implementing needed changes

Discuss job concerns, actively listen to others, and resolve issues before they become problems

Read all internal communications from the department and leaders from your branch, division or work unit.

You are expected to participate in a two-way relationship with your supervisor and others

Offer suggestions, through your supervisor and other established means to improve the performance of your work unit and the department

Follow the direction of your supervisor and recognize that your input is an important factor, but that your supervisor's decision is ultimately followed

Verify the accuracy of information through appropriate supervisory channels or established work unit channels

Workplace Expectations for People Leaders

Our success is based on many factors, including effective leadership and fair and consistent practices. Supervisors and managers are expected to set an example for employees and adhere to all expectations in this document including the following supervisory expectations.

You are expected to provide a safe work environment

Provide employees with the opportunity and a flexible schedule to obtain all required safety training

Promote the department's accident prevention and wellness programs, develop safe work practices, and instill a concern for safe practices

Hold each employee responsible for following safe work practices

Require the appropriate certifications and licenses for use of equipment, supplies and specialized tools

Implement the "Worker-Right-to-Know" laws

Ensure appropriate procedures are followed in the event of on-the-job accidents or injuries

Review each accident within your work unit to identify the cause, taking appropriate corrective action and training employees to prevent similar accidents in the future

Correct dangerous working conditions

Require the appropriate use of safety equipment

You are expected to provide a work environment free of discrimination

Respect the differences of the many cultural backgrounds in our workforce and communities

Promote a work environment free of discrimination or harassment, and do not use or condone conversation or behavior that devalues human dignity

Report any allegation of harassment promptly and take corrective action when necessary

Investigate and resolve complaints and grievances promptly and at the lowest level possible with guidance from SPU Employee & Labor Relations

Maintain and exhibit a positive attitude toward the job, the department and staff

Make assignments based on overall qualifications and not based upon race, color, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, political ideology, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap

Deliver services to the public free from discrimination

Use the Race and Social Justice tools to facilitate delivering equitable services to the public

You are expected to forecast, plan, schedule, coordinate and manage resources

Plan, organize, evaluate and set priorities that are clearly communicated to staff and management

Develop budgets that support the department's Strategic Business Plan initiatives, monitor budget expenditures and revenues regularly, take corrective actions when there are variances, and report variances that cannot be corrected

Assign work, schedule tasks and anticipate potential problems to ensure that work is completed within deadlines

Be flexible in applying new ideas, methods, techniques or processes to improve the way work is performed

Review and update field procedures and practices appropriately

Evaluate and use available workload and accounting data to look for innovative ways to reduce costs and increase service levels and productivity

Recognize symptoms of problems and resolve problems quickly before performances are affected

Notify other divisions about changes in deadlines or projects which could delay their work

You are expected to anticipate and fill vacant positions in a timely manner in compliance with applicable policies

Support the department's efforts to develop a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve through recruitment, training and other special programs

Orient, train and provide support to new and recently promoted employees in adjusting to their new positions

Clarify responsibilities, procedures and performance expectations, verbally and in writing

Create and annual training plan to address skill deficiencies, job enhancements and career development

Seek effective training opportunities and budget funds to meet staff needs

Encourage employees to attend schools or workshops to increase their skills, productivity and opportunities for upward mobility

Evaluate and encourage employees to learn and implement new skills

Adhere to appropriate personnel rules and union contracts

You are expected to provide leadership and make decisions

Accept delegated authority and responsibility for the work assigned to you and your staff, provide clear assignments, and delegate to your subordinates

Foster teamwork and high employee morale through pride in performance and accountability

Seek out employee suggestions for improving work environment and conditions

Communicate to employees that every job in the department is important

Maintain confidentiality with sensitive business information or personnel issues

Take the initiative, be proactive instead of reactive, and solve problems before they escalate

Make decisions within the scope of your responsibility, follow-through as required, and report appropriate information to higher supervisory personnel

Communicate and carry out activities required by city and department rules, policies and procedures

Request resources and guidance to get your job done correctly

Maintain and update supervisory and leadership skills and attend all required supervisor training courses

Set an example of the type of behavior and performance expected from your staff

Clearly articulate job instructions and day-to-day directions to staff

You are expected to foster open communication and evaluate job performance

Promote an atmosphere of open communication with staff, other supervisors, management and the public

Listen attentively to staff, other supervisors, management and the public

Communicate needs in a clear, timely and complete manner

Set clear and realistic standards, and communicate expectations and necessary improvements to employees

Use existing employee recognition

programs and additional oral and written accolades to encourage excellence

Handle unpleasant or volatile situations involving employees in a manner that resolves the problem and defuses the situation

Assist employees with work-related problems by referring them to the Employee Assistance Program when appropriate

Cooperate with other supervisors by establishing a problem-solving atmosphere that is respectful, supportive and free from personal biases

Give constructive performance feedback to employees on a continuous basis and develop corrective plans when performance is below acceptable standards

Evaluate work performance fairly, consistently and honestly using the city's performance evaluation system

Manage corrective counseling and disciplinary situations in a sensitive, constructive and consistent manner