Respect and Dignity in the Workplace

Know the Code is a monthly series highlighting different sections of the County of San Diego Code of Ethics. 

By the Office of Ethics and Compliance

As employees of the County of San Diego, we are all responsible for upholding the Standards of Conduct outlined in our Code of Ethics. Our treatment of each other and our customers is an important part of maintaining an ethical culture.

While it may be clear to most people that discrimination and harassment are against the law and County policies, there are other types of behavior related to how we treat one another that are covered by our Code of Ethics. Specifically, we are talking about respect and dignity.

The Code states that the County “is committed to the principle of treating each employee with respect and dignity. County employees in turn are expected to treat their customers, clients and colleagues with respect, dignity and professionalism.”

What does it mean to treat each other with respect, dignity and professionalism? It means we foster an environment free of discrimination, harassment, and bullying. It means we respect who people are and what they can do. It means we act responsibly with our words and actions and focus on how our words and actions may be perceived, not just how we intended them.

We all want to be treated respectfully and with dignity. Bullying behavior such as name calling, ridiculing and humiliation are inconsistent with respect and dignity in the workplace. There is a difference between this conduct and appropriate workplace differences of opinion and supervision. Routine workplace supervision is not bullying. Differences of opinion, differing work styles and disagreements in working relationships are an inevitable part of our work life.

If you have questions or concerns regarding respect and dignity in the workplace, you are encouraged to talk to your supervisor or departmental human resources officer (DHRO) as soon as possible so that appropriate action may be taken.

Check out the OEC webpage on InSite for information about upcoming Ethics & Compliance Program events, training, and resources including monthly “Know the Code” articles and micro-training videos.

If you have questions about Ethics & Compliance training or how to access the training and other Ethics & Compliance resources, please contact the OEC team at oec@sdcounty.ca.gov, 619-531-5174. HHSA staff may also contact the dedicated HHSA Compliance and Privacy team at compliance.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov, 619-338-2807.