First Care - Workplace Conduct and Professional Interpersonal Communication Guidelines - Final.pptx

Employee Training

1. March 2025 Workplace Conduct and Professional Interpersonal Communication Guidelines

2. OBJECTIVES Define key terms and how these present in the workplace Promote professional interpersonal communication Foster a culture of respect and collaboration that adheres with First Care’s values and conduct expectations Understand prohibited conduct and consequences

3. Employee morale and productivity A respectful workplace boosts engagement, fosters teamwork, and increases overall productivity Legal compliance and reducing liability Following workplace conduct policies helps avoid legal risks related to harassment, discrimination, or hostile work environment claims Creating a safe, respectful, inclusive workplace A professional environment ensures all employees feel valued, respected, and safe at work Supporting company values and ethics Reinforces First Care’s commitment to integrity, respect, and ethical practices in all interactions WHY THIS MATTERS

4. Workplace Conduct Refers to the behaviors and actions expected from all employees in the workplace, in alignment with company policies, laws, and professional standards Includes demonstrating professionalism, respect, accountability, and ethical decision-making in every interaction and task Professional Interpersonal Communication The practice of exchanging information in a respectful, clear, and constructive manner, whether verbally, non-verbally, or in writing Involves active listening, maintaining a respectful tone, being mindful of body language, and avoiding disruptive communication such as gossip or hostile language Disruptive Behaviors Any actions that negatively affect workplace harmony, productivity, or employee wellbeing. Examples include gossiping, bullying, insubordination, or incivility These behaviors can escalate conflicts, lower team morale, and lead to higher turnover or legal issues if not addressed promptly DEFINITIONS & KEY TERMS

5. EXAMPLES OF UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Speaking in a disrespectful tone Using sarcasm, aggressive language, or dismissive responses. Gossiping or discussing coworkers behind their backs Engaging in conversations that undermine or speculate about others. Withholding important information Not sharing updates or details that affect the team’s work. Reacting emotionally or unprofessionally to feedback Becoming defensive, dismissive, or shutting down conversations. Using an overly harsh or accusatory tone when addressing mistakes Criticizing or blaming others publicly instead of handling issues privately.

6. EXAMPLES OF UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Creating cliques or exclusive groups Regularly excluding certain team members from discussions or activities. Spreading negativity or cynicism Consistently complaining without offering solutions or fostering distrust in the workplace. Ignoring professional boundaries Overstepping limits with personal questions, humor, or inappropriate language. Avoiding direct communication and relying on third parties to relay messages Using others to address concerns instead of speaking directly. Failing to take accountability Blaming others or refusing to acknowledge personal mistakes.

7. ACTIONS THAT PROMOTE A RESPECTFUL CULTURE Communicate respectfully at all times—be mindful of tone, body language, and choice of words, especially during busy or stressful moments. Address concerns directly and privately with the person involved, focusing on facts and solutions rather than blame. Assume positive intent—don’t jump to conclusions about others’ actions or words. Avoid gossip and negative talk about coworkers, whether they’re present or not; focus on fostering a positive team environment. Be inclusive and encourage collaboration, ensuring everyone feels valued and part of the team. Stay calm and professional in conflicts, using a neutral tone and choosing the right time and place for sensitive discussions. Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy when dealing with workplace matters or personal information. Take accountability for your actions, owning mistakes and working constructively toward solutions without shifting blame.

8. POP QUIZ

9. A) Respond immediately with equal intensity to defend yourself. B) Walk away without saying anything and avoid the coworker going forward. C) Take a deep breath, stay calm, and ask for clarification on their concerns. D) Complain about them to another coworker. SCENARIO 1: A coworker gives you feedback that you feel is unfair and delivered in a harsh tone. What’s your best response?

10. ANSWER: C. Staying calm and asking for clarification shows professionalism and keeps communication constructive. It de-escalates tension and opens a path to resolution without worsening the conflict.

11. A) Ignore it and hope they get over it. B) Defend yourself by explaining why they’re wrong to feel upset. C) Approach them, acknowledge their feelings, apologize sincerely, and ask how to make it right. D) Tell others how sensitive they are being. SCENARIO 2: You accidentally upset a coworker with something you said, but you didn’t mean to. What’s the best course of action?

12. ANSWER: C. Owning your actions and showing empathy promotes trust and repair in workplace relationships. Minimizing or dismissing their feelings would only increase division.

13. A) Speak calmly, stick to the facts, and offer feedback in private, focusing on how to work together more effectively moving forward. B) Avoid giving feedback because it’s not worth the risk of upsetting them. C) Be blunt and get it over with quickly. D) Ask another coworker to deliver the message instead. SCENARIO 3: You need to provide feedback to a coworker on something that didn’t go as planned. You’re worried they’ll take it personally. What’s the best way to approach it?

14. ANSWER: A. Private, respectful feedback focused on solutions rather than blame helps maintain professionalism and avoids unnecessary conflict. If you are unsure of how to approach the conversation, consult with Management or HR for guidance.

15. 1. Decreased Morale & Job Satisfaction – A toxic work environment caused by ongoing unprofessional behavior leads to lower motivation and disengagement from the team 2. Strained Team Relationships – Repeated issues create tension, making collaboration difficult and reducing team effectiveness. 3. Formal Disciplinary Action – Persistent misconduct can result in warnings, performance improvement plans, suspension, or termination. 4. Breakdown in Communication – A workplace filled with distrust and poor communication leads to mistakes, inefficiency, and misunderstandings that impact productivity 5. Lower Team & Company Performance – Poor communication and ongoing conflict disrupt productivity, innovation, and overall business success. 6. Increased Turnover & Workplace Instability – Toxic work environments push high-performing employees to leave, damaging team morale and continuity. CONSEQUENCES OF MISCONDUCT

16. Everyone plays a role in this! Remember, it is up to you to: Model respectful behavior Address displays of misconduct appropriately- you cannot control the behaviors of others, only yourself Report incidents to Supervisors right away if misconduct was witnessed that violates company conduct expecations Support a positive, inclusive, and professional environment by using the communication approaches outlined in this presentation FINAL TAKEAWAYS