Social-Cultural-Business Codes

Statistics Canada is a highly professional statistics-gathering organization, an arm of the Government of Canada. It is a highly respected professional organization, a model cited for its high degree of professional skills in information and data-gathering. Such data is widely used throughout government to advise and guide the manner in which government recognizes its constituents, and how the population, through statistics released, sees themselves.

There is an obvious need for accuracy and dedication to high professional standards. Both primary objectives that Statistics Canada has never failed to observe, producing in the process, reliable, useful and important data. Data often integral to the direction that private interests and academic studies take, as well. Bureaucrats at the agency have been reminded lately that it is incumbent upon them in reflection of what they represent, to reflect deeply before making public comments.

Reminded that even operating outside their public capacity in their personal space, releasing unauthorized data on the strength of their insider knowledge runs counter to StatsCan's "code of conduct". That caution was seen as required as bureaucrats are warned how they may best evade "heading for a disaster" during a news interview, during which they can "expect the sensational to be at the top of the story".

Obviously the message is hugely on the manner in which the revelation of some statistics that have not been given pre-clearance and appropriate context could conceivably be of embarrassment, or at the very least, some discomfort to the government. The chief statistician has issued that caution, one similar to those being established throughout federal departments and agencies reporting to the Government of Canada.

StatsCanada is, in any event, known for its discipline in avoiding the release of unauthorized data. The current government seems more concerned about keeping a tight, authorized lid on the release of information, as a departure from what might have been seen as a more relaxed attitude from previous administrations. This attention to revelatory detail has been the source of objection and derision from the media and political opponents.

"What we want to make sure is that our employees do not criticize either the government or this organization or its staff publicly. If we can identify them as public servants, and public servants of Statistics Canada, then they have to be careful on what they're putting in writing. We really want to make sure that we maintain our image, you know, of being real professionals", explained Nicole Tourigny, StatsCan director of human resources operations.

"Employees are personally responsible for the content they publish online through any social media, even if the comments are made outside working hours -- particularly if they identify themselves as Statistics Canada or Government of Canada Employees. Employees are expected to use sound judgement to ensure that postings do not compromise the professional, respectful and non-partisan performance of their official dues"...all of which seems to make perfectly common good sense.

But the best part is that portion given over to personal dress and hygiene: "Employees are expected to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for a business workplace and should be neat, clean and well-groomed", according to the code. "Employees may be asked to return home to change or wash if their attire or hygiene is considered unsuitable for the workplace. This includes wearing items that are revealing or soiled, or that bear inappropriate messages."

Presumably, these are all adults at whom the code reminder is directed. One might be forgiven for assuming that mature individuals have a sense of pride in how they appear, and take care in the manner in which they costume themselves for a business environment, let alone take care that their daily ablutions are well seen to. One might think so, but one would be wrong, and any casual scrutiny of public servants at some government departments and agencies would soon disabuse one of the quaint certainty that individuals respect their public positions and those among whom they work.

Casual can be fine in many circumstances, but slovenly and disreputable looking describes many people who feel it is their right to appear in public dishevelled, unwashed and blithe about their appearance. Who feel they have the right to appear as they wish, that instructions contrary to their relaxed attitude about hygiene and presence is an insult to their individuality.

Having a well-remunerated job with excellent add-ons in superlative working conditions is not a right, it is a privilege. Apart from being a competent, reliable worker, there is an additional obligation to appear the part, and in so doing earn the additional respect of those among whom one works, who appreciate such demonstrations of self-respect as a well-groomed and well-dressed co-worker.