DIDSBURY – Town council has approved an updated version of the municipality’s personnel policy for all employees. The move came by way of motion at last week’s council meeting.
“This is just an update to bring us into line with what we are doing and other municipalities are doing these days. It’s a refresh,” said Mayor Rhonda Hunter.
“Having clearly written policies and procedures that are documented, updated and followed brings structure and assists with the day-to-day decision making processes. The policy also serves as an internal control method for consistency across the organizations.”
Updates have been made to a number of sections of the policy handbook.
Regarding performance reviews, the updated section reads: “Annually, every employee shall receive a written performance review by their immediate supervisor. These reviews shall be compiled by means of a verbal conversation relative to achievement and difficulties in the past year.”
An addition to the sexual harassment section reads: “Sexual harassment is not tolerated by the Town of Didsbury and will be treated seriously and investigated accordingly if a complaint is issued.”
An addition to the discrimination section reads: “No Town of Didsbury employees shall exercise discrimination against any employee. This will be treated seriously and investigated accordingly if a complaint is issued.”
An addition to the personal business section reads: “Without permission from the employee's manager or supervisor, no personal business shall be conducted during their work time including but not limited to taking personal phone calls, cell phone use including texting, electronic gaming, conducting personal enterprise, political partisanship and social networking.”
An addition to the town-owned vehicle and equipment section reads: “At no time are passengers, other than a municipal employee, allowed to be in a town-owned vehicle and/or equipment.”
The complete updated personnel policy handbook is available for viewing on the town's website.
