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2.3 Commitment to Civility and Respect

Purpose & Scope

THE COMPANY is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are treated with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. Civility is essential to maintaining a safe, productive, and positive environment for Team Members and guests.

This Policy applies to:

  • All Team Members (full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary)
  • Managers, supervisors, Directors of Operations
  • Applicants and trainees
  • Vendors, service providers, and delivery personnel
  • Guests and customers
  • Any individual interacting with THE COMPANY or its Team Members

This Policy covers conduct:

  • On THE COMPANY premises
  • During work-related travel
  • At THE COMPANY-sponsored events
  • In digital or virtual environments
  • Off-duty, when conduct affects the workplace, coworker relationships, or THE COMPANY’s reputation

 

Policy Statement

THE COMPANY maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward disrespectful, disruptive, hostile, or unprofessional behavior. All Team Members are expected to demonstrate professionalism, maturity, courtesy, and teamwork at all times.

Civility is not optional—it is a condition of employment.

 

Standards of Professional Conduct

Team Members must:

  • Treat all individuals with respect
    • This includes coworkers, supervisors, guests, delivery drivers, vendors, and any person interacting with the restaurant.
  • Communicate professional
    • Use respectful language
    • Speak calmly, even during disagreements
    • Follow direction without hostility or attitude
    • Avoid sarcasm, rudeness, or dismissive tones
  • Maintain a positive and cooperative work environment
    • Offer assistance when possible
    • Respond respectfully to instruction
    • Collaborate with others
    • Avoid creating tension, conflict, or division
  • Demonstrate professionalism at all time
    • This includes:
      • Body language
      • Tone of voice
      • Attitude
      • Interactions with guests
      • Punctuality and reliability\
      • Following food safety and operational procedures
  • Uphold guest-focused behavior
    • Guests must experience:
      • Courtesy
      • Patience
      • Professionalism
      • Cleanliness
      • Willingness to help

 

Prohibited Conduct

The behaviors below are strictly prohibited. This list is comprehensive but not exhaustive.

  • Disrespectful Communication
    • Yelling, shouting, or raising one’s voice
    • Talking back, arguing, or refusing direction
    • Cursing or using rude/slang behavior toward coworkers or guests
    • Speaking in a hostile, aggressive, or confrontational tone
    • Sarcasm, mockery, eye-rolling
  • Gossip, Rumors, and Toxic Behavior
    • Spreading rumors about coworkers or guest
    • Speaking negatively about Team Members behind their backs
    • Creating or participating in dram
    • Stirring conflict or taking sides
    • Starting or escalating disagreements
  • Passive-Aggressive Behavior
    • Ignoring coworkers
    • Giving silent treatment
    • Withholding cooperation
    • Sabotaging workplace harmony
  • Disruptive or Unprofessional Behavior
    • Intentionally distracting others
    • Complaining loudly about work
    • Horseplay or rough behavior
    • Overly personal conversations that disrupt work
    • Throwing items, slamming objects, or displaying temper
  • Electronic or Digital Misconduct
    • Sending rude, hostile, or inappropriate messages
    • Using digital platforms to exclude, mock, or target others
    • Sharing confidential information
    • Posting about THE COMPANY or coworkers in a negative or unprofessional manner
    • Arguing in group chats involving coworkers
  • Disrespect Toward Guests
    • Ignoring guests or refusing to acknowledge them
    • Arguing with guests
    • Failing to provide courteous service
    • Making guests feel unwelcome or uncomfortable
    • Displaying attitude or impatience
  • Behavior that Undermines Team Unity
    • Refusing to assist coworkers
    • Blaming others for personal mistakes
    • Creating divisions between shifts or team groups
    • Refusing to communicate or cooperate
    • Leaving tasks for others intentionally

 

Off-Duty Conduct With Workplace Impact

Off-duty conduct may violate this Policy when it:

  • Involves coworkers
  • Occurs in group chats or social media
  • Creates conflict or hostility that carries into the workplace
  • Damages working relationships
  • Harms THE COMPANY’s reputation
  • Makes a coworker feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or disrespected

Examples include:

  • Argumentative or rude messages
  • Social media posts criticizing coworkers or THE COMPANY
  • Fighting, threats, or personal disputes involving coworkers
  • Group chat bullying

 

Professional Boundaries

All Team Members must maintain appropriate boundaries, including:

  • Avoiding overly personal conversations that may cause discomfort
  • Refraining from discussing sensitive subjects (politics, sexual topics, personal issues)
  • Keeping interactions courteous and work appropriate
  • Avoiding favoritism or exclusionary cliques within the workplace

 

Teen Worker Protections

Because THE COMPANY employs minors, additional civility standards apply:

  • Adults must model mature, respectful communication
  • No yelling at, belittling, or intimidating minors
  • No inappropriate discussions or topics (sex, substances, violence, etc.)
  • No off-duty invitations or personal relationships with minors
  • No digital interactions (text, social media) outside of work purposes

Violations may result in immediate discipline or termination.

 

Manager & Supervisor Responsibilities

Managers hold a higher standard. They must:

  • Model civility through their own behavior
  • Provide feedback professionally
  • Avoid favoritism or exclusion
  • Maintain calm, respectful leadership
  • Avoid aggressive or demeaning tones
  • Intervene immediately when witnessing disrespect
  • Document and report issues promptly

Failure to act is a violation of this Policy.

 

Reporting Concerns

Team Members are encouraged to report concerns about unprofessional or uncivil behavior.

Reports can be made through:

  1. The Complaint Incident Reporting Form
  2. Any Manager or Supervisor
  3. District Manager
  4. Director of Operations
  5. DGI Corporate Office Team Member 

Managers are REQUIRED to report concerns immediately.

 

Corrective Action

Violations of this Policy may result in:

  • Coaching
  • Additional training
  • Written warnings
  • Suspension
  • Termination

Depending on severity, THE COMPANY may take corrective action even for a first offense.

 

No Retaliation

No Team Member may suffer retaliation for:

  • Reporting unprofessional conduct
  • Participating in an investigation
  • Supporting respectful workplace standards

Retaliation will result in disciplinary action up to termination.

 

Zero Tolerance Commitment

THE COMPANY maintains zero tolerance for:

  • Disrespect
  • Hostility
  • Toxic behavior
  • Unprofessional conduct
  • Guest mistreatment

Every Team Member is responsible for upholding a workplace culture based on respect, professionalism, courtesy, and teamwork.

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