Respect is part of the work

Every employee should be able to work without harassment, intimidation, or degrading treatment.

In this fictional Northstar example, respectful conduct means treating colleagues with dignity, listening without personal attacks, and keeping disagreement focused on the work. Harassment and other disrespectful conduct are not acceptable. The applicable published policy and local reporting routes determine the formal definitions and process.

If something feels unsafe or you are unsure whether it crosses a policy line, do not wait for certainty before seeking help. Use an available reporting option or Speak Up, according to your local process.

Notice the behavior, not just the intent

These examples are illustrative, not a complete policy definition. A person’s stated intent does not by itself settle the impact or whether conduct breaches an applicable policy.

Respectful disagreement

A colleague challenges a proposal by explaining the work concern and inviting a response.

  • Address the decision or evidence, not a person’s identity.
  • Give colleagues room to speak and respond.

Conduct to raise

A colleague repeatedly makes personal remarks after being asked to stop, or uses threats, slurs, or humiliating comments.

  • Do not excuse repeated conduct as a joke.
  • Raise the concern through an available route.

If you experience or witness a concern

Use an appropriate route; do not put yourself at risk.

  1. 1

    Address immediate safety

    If anyone is in immediate danger, move to a safer place if possible and use the established local emergency or safety response route.

  2. 2

    Note what you observed

    When appropriate, write down the date, location, people involved, what happened, and any witnesses. Share only information relevant to the concern.

  3. 3

    Raise it through an available route

    Use Speak Up or another reporting route confirmed for your location and situation. The applicable policy describes the formal process.

Choose a reporting route

Speak Up is the named app for raising a concern. Confirm its access methods and any local alternatives before publishing this page.

Open Speak Up through your organization’s approved app access.

This page explains the topic; it does not receive or submit reports.

For the authoritative Respect at Work policy and acknowledgment where required, use Policy Hub.