What is it?

Professionalism in Professionalism in the Workplacethe Workplace

“A professional is a person who can do his best at a time when he

doesn’t particularly feel like it.”

(Alistair Cooke)

Professionalism Professionalism does not just refer

to our appearance- good grooming, neatness or how we look standing in front of co-workers or visitors. Nor does it only refer to our technical skills. Professionalism is more along the lines of a person’s own character strengths and values directed towards quality service to other’s through their work. Professionals show sound judgment, business savvy , ingenuity , and self–respect for their work.

Akron Zoo Dress Code &

Professional Image Policy

Uniform

• Staff is required to wear their uniforms according to the dress code policy.

• Undershirts must be a plain color such as black, gray, or white.

• Pants, capris, or shorts must be khaki. Khaki style jeans are permitted.

• Shorts must be mid-thigh and no shorter.

• Clothing must not be ill-fitting or loose.

Personal appearance

• Your hair and facial hair must be clean, neatly arranged, and of a naturally occurring color.

• No body piercings may be visible. If you choose to wear makeup, it must be moderate and conservative.

•Do not complain about your job to a co-worker in front of our guests.

•Smile, nod, say “Hello” to our guests and your co-workers.

Workplace Professionalism• Be responsive. Respond in a timely

manner. • Email/voice mail/radio etiquette.

Think about how your email/voicemail/radio call will be perceived by the recipient or visitors around them.

• Bring issues to the attention of management. Problems cannot be addressed if they are not reported.

• Managers- Avoid being bias. You have one team. They need to be treated as one.

Professionals Understand the Importance of…

• Organization & time management. • Planning.• Manners.• Problem solving attitudes.• Integrity…always.• Sharing their knowledge & listening

to new ideas.• Setting examples for staff & co-

workers.

Professionals Understand the Importance of…

• The perils of social networking. Information or pictures used in social

networking sites reflect on you both as an employee and a professional.

• Be careful about mixing work and personal information. It may come back to haunt you.

• Be prepared for your work day.• Be ready to react to any

situation. It’s a zoo…..Anything can happen.

• Be ready to respond and assist as needed.

So……..

Scenarios

Some names have been changed to protect the identity of certain

individuals.