Code of Conduct

Policy Owner: Jarvis (Hai) Luong

Effective Date: 01.03.2025

Purpose

The primary goal of Tekai's Code of Conduct is to foster inclusive, collaborative and safe working conditions for all Tekai staff. As such, Tekai is committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all staff, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or religion (or lack thereof).

This code of conduct outlines our expectations for all Tekai staff, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

Scope

The Code of Conduct applies to all Tekai staff. This includes full-time, part-time and contractor staff employed at every seniority level. The Code of Conduct is to be upheld during all professional functions and events, including but not limited to business hours at the Tekai office, during Tekai-related extracurricular activities and events, while attending conferences and other professional events on behalf of Tekai, and while working remotely and communicating on Tekai resources with other staff.

We expect all Tekai staff to abide by this Code of Conduct in all business matters -- online and in-person -- as well as in all one-on-one communications with customers and staff pertaining to Tekai business.

This Code of Conduct also applies to unacceptable behavior occurring outside the scope of business activities when such behavior has the potential to adversely affect the safety and well- being of Tekai staff and clients.

Culture and Citizenship

A supplemental goal of this Code of Conduct is to increase open citizenship by encouraging participants to recognize the relationships between our actions and their effects within Tekai culture.

Be welcoming. We strive to be a company that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.

Be considerate. Your work at Tekai will be used by other people, and you in turn will depend on the work of others. Any decision you take will affect users and colleagues, and you should take those consequences into account when making decisions.

Be respectful. Not all of us will agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for poor behavior and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration now and then, but we cannot allow that frustration to turn into a personal attack. It's important to remember that a company where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is neither productive nor pleasant. Tekai staff should always be respectful when dealing with other personnel as well as with people outside of Tekai employment.

Acceptable and Expected Behavior

The following behaviors are expected and requested of all Tekai staff:

•  Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of Tekai.
•  Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions at all times.  Attempt collaboration before conflict.
•   Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
•  Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert Tekai leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
•  Remember that Tekai events may be shared with members of the public and Tekai customers; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations at all times

Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable within our community:  Violence, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person.

•  Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
•  Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material.
•  Posting or threatening to post other people's personally identifying information ("doxing").
•  Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.
•  Inappropriate photography or recording.
•  Inappropriate physical contact. You should have someone's consent before touching them in any manner.
•  Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes sexualized comments or jokes; inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcome sexual advances.
•  Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following (online or in person).  Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
•  Repeated harassment of others. In general, if someone asks you to stop, then stop.
•  Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting.

Weapons Policy

No weapons will be allowed at Tekai events, office locations, or in other spaces covered by the scope of this Code of Conduct. Weapons include but are not limited to guns, explosives (including fireworks), and large knives such as those used for hunting or display, as well as any other item used for the purpose of causing injury or harm to others.

Anyone seen in possession of one of these items will be asked to leave immediately and will be subject to punitive action up to and including termination and involvement of law enforcement authorities. Tekai staff are further expected to comply with all state and local laws on this matter.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior from any Tekai staff, including those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated.

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.

If a staff member engages in unacceptable behavior, Tekai leadership may take any action deemed appropriate, up to and including suspension or termination.

Reporting Violations

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify an appropriate member of Tekai leadership as soon as possible.

It is a violation of this policy to retaliate against any person making a complaint of Unacceptable Behavior or against any person participating in the investigation of (including testifying as a witness to) any such allegation. Any retaliation or intimidation may be subject to punitive action up to and including termination.

Disciplinary Action

Employees who violate this policy may face disciplinary consequences in proportion to their violation. Tekai management will determine how serious an employee's offense is and take the appropriate action

Responsibility

It is the CEO's responsibility to ensure this policy is followed.