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312 H - Employee Relations
City of Greensboro Personnel Policy Manuał
undermine, patronize, humiliate, intimidate or demean the recipient. Workplace bullying is
considered general harassment by this policy. General harassment does not have to pertain to
a protected class and describes unacceptable behavior toward any individual.
4.3 Sexual Harassment - Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual
harassment is covered by Policy H-8, Sexual Harassment.
4.4 Hostile Environment - A hostile environment occurs when comments, conduct or
actions of the employer, supervisors or co-workers is so severe or pervasive that it creates an
unwelcome, intimidating, offensive work environment. This relates to the legally protected
classes: race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, and age. In addition, the City of
Greensboro recognizes sexual orientation as a protected class.
4.5 Violence - Physical force employed so as to violate, damage, abuse, injure, or strike in any
manner.
4.6 Threat - An expression or action showing intent to inflict harm, intimidation, and/or the
giving of signs or warnings of violence, uttering of threats, or the announcement of violence
as a possibility.
4.7 Ostracism - Ostracism is an insidious means of informal punishment or social control
that brings immediate pain to the individual affected. The employee’s core need for a sense of
belonging as well as their self esteem is also under attack particularly when ostracism is severe
and continuous.
4.8 Prohibited Weapons - Firearms, explosives, ammunition, personal tasers, knives
(except pocket knives) not furnished or approved by the employee’s department for the
accomplishment of the job, and any other objects prohibited by law. (It is not possible to
list every object which might be used as a weapon. Therefore, any object that is used to
threaten, injure or cause damage to a person or property may be regarded as a weapon for the
purpose of this policy). Tear gas/pepper spray/mace for personal defense in a small container
(container not to exceed 5.07 ounces, cartridge not to exceed 1.69 ounces) is not prohibited by
this policy.
4.9 Pocket Knife - A small knife, designed for carrying in a pocket or purse, which has
its cutting edge and point entirely enclosed by its handle, and that, may not be opened by a
throwing, explosive, or spring action.
4.10 Retaliation – Punishment of an employee for engaging in legally protected activity
such as making a complaint of harassment or participating in workplace investigations.
Retaliation can include employment actions such as termination, refusal to hire, promotion,
discipline, salary reduction, job or shift reassignment and other actions affecting employment
such as threats, unjustified negative evaluations, unjustified negative references, or increased