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Workplace Norms & Standards

Workplace Norms

Workplace Decorum

  • Interpersonal interactions should be considerate, professional and concise.
  • Conflict resolution should be interest based and focus on outcome, not personal issues.
  • Respect co-workers by avoiding gossip and unwanted personal conversations.
  • Keep voice levels low.
  • Avoid conversations in halls or common areas that may disturb colleagues.
  • When entering a workspace, announce yourself with a knock or greeting.
  • Maintain common areas in a functional and neat fashion.

Appearance/Hygiene

  • Adhere to agency dress standards during work hours.
  • Remember to moderate scents, whether they be perfume, lunch or office products.
  • Stay home if you are ill.

Confidentiality

  • Customer voicemails and emails will receive a response within 2 work days.
  • If a customer’s inquiry requires time to develop a response, the customer will be notified within 2 workdays that their request is being addressed, and when they should expect the final response.

Phone Usage

  • Set office phone ringtone at lowest workable level.
  • Do not use speakerphone in an open environment or from an office that disturbs others.
  • Use conference space or private areas for phone conference/speaker phones.
  • Take personal calls away from your workspace.

Computer Usage

  • Keep emails formal and use agency conventions for signature and appearance.
  • Minimize personal emails, remembering that all emails are public information.
  • Limit social media and internet use to work related activity.

Meetings

  • Be punctual and professional in all meetings.
  • Interact in a collegial manner, communicating through expectations set by the facilitator.
  • Provide input, but accept consensus decisions made by the collective body.

Workplace Standards

WESD places a high priority on providing a clean, professional workspace for staff and visitors to our facilities. Classrooms should be safe and orderly, conveying a comfortable and engaging learning environment. A contribution from all is required to achieve these goals. The following standards are intended to provide structure and consistency as we work together to take care of our shared space.

All Work Areas and Public Spaces

  • All staff are responsible for cleanliness and order in our work areas and shared spaces.
  • Open floor space in work areas and under desks should be kept clear of boxes and materials.
  • Desktops are cleared to allow for regular custodial cleaning.
  • Workspace may be personalized or decorated within the following professional standards:
    • Decorations should be tasteful, professional, and non-offensive in nature.
    • No objects or decorations may be affixed to walls, windows, doors, or other structures without using approved materials and methods.
    • Items such as unframed pictures, posters and flyers may be attached to walls with proper materials.
  • The use of bulletin boards provided for such materials is encouraged.
  • Recycling and confidential shred bins will be in common areas rather than in every workspace.
  • Appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators and toaster ovens shall not be kept in workspaces.
  • Space heaters are not allowed in workspaces.
  • Limit food consumption in work areas and discard once finished.

Cubicle & Department Space

  • Department administration will determine cubicle configuration based on program needs.
  • Cubicles shall have a standard desk and chair, and a floor mat in carpeted areas.
  • Individual staff files, books, binders, and supplies are maintained in the individual workspace.
  • All other supplies are maintained in the employee work room, program libraries, and department storage space.
  • Work surfaces and floor space will be kept clear and only used for immediate work on hand.
  • Cubicle walls have a clear glass panel at the top. All materials and supplies must be kept below the glass. The glass will be kept clear of markings, notes and accessories.

Office Space

  • Department administration will determine office occupants based on program needs.
  • Office space may be used for meetings with partners or visitors. Worktables should be kept as neat as possible during the workday and should be straightened prior to leaving at the end of the workday.
  • No materials of any kind may be affixed to the outer office doors.
  • Windows, door windows and relights will not be covered at any time.

Classroom Space

  • Classroom floorplans should maximize space and reflect a learning environment suited to the students.
    • Room dividers should be low to allow observation of all classroom areas to maintain safety.
    • Quiet areas should be placed away from group activity areas where possible.
    • Activity areas requiring frequent cleanup should be placed near the sink and supplies.
  • Student and class dynamics should be considered in classroom décor.
    • Some wall space should remain free of decoration/display.
    • Decorations should be appealing and relevant to students and the curriculum.
    • Display student work in designated areas, displaying each student’s work and refreshing the display often.
    • Post daily schedules and student information in a consistent location easily viewed by students.
  • Animals are prohibited in WESD facilities.
  • Storage space should be identified and maintained in an organized fashion.
    • Items not currently used should remain in closed cabinets.
    • General classroom storage should be available to students in a manner consistent with age and instructional expectations.
    • Each child should have personal space to store their belongings.
  • Classrooms should be picked up and organized at the end of the instructional day to prepare for custodial cleaning.

Conference Room Space

  • Conference Rooms should be reserved prior to use.
    • Reservations should be made and canceled through the room reservation clerk or by contacting the reception desk.
    • Provide as much notice as possible for room reservations and cancelations.
    • Technology support should be included in reservations if needed. The WESD Help Desk can assist with logistics of the reservation and will provide set up.
  • Cleanliness of conference space is a shared responsibility.
    • Return the room to set up condition following your meeting.
    • Contact custodians if there is a need for trash removal or cleanup prior to the next meeting.
    • If no custodial staff are available remove trash to agency dumpster.
    • Report stains or spills to custodial staff, maintenance or reception.
  • Conference room doors may be blocked open only during the welcome and exit process.
  • Contact the reservation clerk to report broken furniture or equipment issues.

Plants

  • Plants are allowed at WESD under the following conditions:
    • All plant containers must not leak water on WESD-owned furniture or carpet, which can cause damage.
    • There is a limit of two plants per workspace, with each pot size not to exceed 8 inches.
    • Hanging or draping plants are not permitted.
    • Plants must not attract or host any insects.
    • Plants and potting soil must not grow mold or mildew.
    • No flowering (pollen) or odor-producing plants.
    • All plants must be kept below the tops of cubicle walls (per workplace standards).
    • Plants must be cared for and not left unattended to die.
    • Any dead plants must be removed immediately.
    • Plants not meeting these standards will need to be removed from the workplace. Maintenance staff may dispose of plants found unattended and not meeting standards (which will be known as the "take it or leaf it" rule).