A large Commonwealth department identified the need to strengthen shared behavioural expectations across its workforce. Formal policies and legislative obligations were well established, however staff feedback indicated variability in how workplace respect and courtesy were understood and applied in day-to-day interactions.

Leaders sought a practical, facilitated workshop that would reinforce standards without creating defensiveness, support early intervention, and clarify roles and reporting pathways. The objective was to build a common language, increase confidence in addressing inappropriate behaviour, and strengthen trust across teams.

The Department required an interactive, legally sound and behaviourally practical solution suitable for delivery across a geographically dispersed workforce.

What We Delivered 

Holan designed and facilitated a structured Workplace Respect & Courtesy Workshop aligned to Commonwealth legislative and behavioural frameworks, with a strong focus on practical application andparticipant engagement.

1. Defining Workplace Respect and Courtesy

We established a shared understanding of what respectful behaviour looks like in practice.

The workshop explored the “why” behind respectful conduct, linking it to team performance, psychological safety, service delivery outcomes and public trust. Facilitated discussion and realexamples grounded expectations in everyday workplace interactions.

2. Legal Foundations

We provided a clear, accessible overview of the legislative and policy environment, including relevant Commonwealth obligations and behavioural standards.

Rather than adopting a compliance-heavy tone, the session positioned legal foundations as safeguards that protect fairness, professionalism and safe workplaces.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

The workshop clarified accountability across all levels, from individual employees to supervisors and senior leaders.

Participants explored expectations regarding personal conduct, bystander responsibilities, early intervention, and leadership obligations to model and reinforce standards.

4. Respect and Courtesy in Practice

Participants worked through facilitated scenarios reflecting real workplace dynamics.

Discussion focused on practical behaviours: communication style, managing disagreement, inclusion in meetings, feedback delivery, and responding constructively to tension.

Simple tools and conversation frameworks were introduced to support respectful dialogue and early course correction before matters escalated.

5. Support and Reporting Options

Clear guidance was provided on available support mechanisms, informal resolution pathways and formal reporting options.

Participants gained clarity on confidentiality, procedural fairness and what to expect when concerns are raised, helping to reduce uncertainty and encourage early support-seeking.

6. Conclusion and Reflection

Each workshop concluded with facilitated reflection, key insights, and practical commitments participants could apply immediately within their teams.

Outcome

The Department established a clearer, shared understanding of respectful conduct and behavioural expectations. Participants reported greater confidence in addressing inappropriate behaviour early and navigating support pathways appropriately.

Leaders gained practical language and tools to reinforce standards consistently, strengthening behavioural clarity across business areas.

Importantly, the workshop reframed workplace respect and courtesy as a performance and leadership issue. This was not simply a compliance requirement, there was a strong focus on reinforcing the Department’s role in maintaining trust, safety and professionalism across the public service.

This workshop format can be readily translated into dedicated training packages tailored to Commonwealth agencies and corporate organisations, including modular e-learning, blended delivery models and organisation-specific policy integration.