At the Association, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional work environment for all our members and administrative staff. The “Workplace Violence Meter” is an educational tool that helps identify levels of mistreatment or inappropriate behavior in the workplace, allowing us to prevent and address issues early on. Below is a scale of attitudes and behaviors, from mild to severe, that can negatively impact the workplace environment.

Level 1: Attitudes That Can Be Overlooked but Should Be Avoided

• Inappropriate jokes and sarcasm: Making comments or jokes that could make others uncomfortable, even if “light-hearted.”
• Dismissing ideas: Devaluing others’ opinions or suggestions without justification.
• Constant interruptions: Frequently cutting others off or interrupting conversations or meetings.

Tip: While these attitudes may go unnoticed, it’s important to avoid them to maintain a respectful environment. Listening and valuing others’ opinions contributes to a healthy workplace.

Level 2: Risk Behaviors That Deteriorate the Workplace Environment

• Raised or intimidating tone of voice: Using tone of voice to assert authority or create discomfort.
• Microaggressions or indirect remarks: Making comments with double meanings or indirect statements that create a tense atmosphere.
• Ignoring or excluding someone: Deliberately avoiding interaction with a colleague, creating isolation or exclusion within the team.

Tip: These behaviors can negatively impact the environment and team morale. Addressing these issues with clear and respectful communication can help prevent major conflicts.

Level 3: Openly Inappropriate and High-Risk Behaviors

• Psychological harassment: Engaging in systematic actions that emotionally drain someone, such as ridiculing their work or undermining their reputation.
• Threats and undue pressure: Imposing tasks or conditions with implicit or explicit threats.
• Sexist, racist, or discriminatory comments: Making offensive or derogatory remarks related to gender, ethnicity, or any other personal characteristic.

Tip: These behaviors are serious and require immediate attention. It’s essential for all members to promote respect and reject any form of harassment or discrimination.

Level 4: Severe and Sanctionable Violence

• Workplace bullying or mobbing: Systematically harassing a team member, isolating them, and placing obstacles to their development.
• Verbal or physical violence: Insults, yelling, or any form of physical aggression in the workplace.
• Manipulation or abuse of power: Using authority to exploit or coerce others.

Tip: These behaviors are unacceptable and may lead to severe sanctions, including expulsion from the Association or reporting to the relevant authorities. Respect is a fundamental value for coexistence and professional growth.

What to Do if You Identify Any of These Behaviors?

The Association promotes a supportive environment and offers communication channels to address these situations. If you experience mistreatment or observe inappropriate behavior:

1. Communicate the issue: If you feel comfortable, try speaking directly to the person involved in a respectful manner.
2. Seek support: If the situation persists, speak with your broker or a trusted superior.
3. Report the incident to the Association: For serious incidents, you can report it to the Board of Directors or the Association’s Conduct Committee.

Remember, we are all responsible for maintaining a professional and safe environment. Mutual respect and a commitment to ethics are fundamental to the success of our Association.