5️⃣Code of Conduct

👋 Introduction

This code of conduct applies to Obvious’ team members, community members like volunteers, guests in Obvious’ office and on Slack groups and other online communities like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. It applies while working in the Obvious office or remotely, at all events hosted by Obvious, at industry events attended by a Obvious employee, whether or not directly representing Obvious.


1️⃣ Inclusion and Harassment

Obvious is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, marital status, pregnant or otherwise and political affiliation as well as medical condition, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, computing experience, or clothing.

  • We do not tolerate harassment of community members in any form. Harassment includes:

    • offensive verbal comments related to the protected classes above

    • sexual images in public spaces

    • deliberate intimidation,

    • stalking,

    • photography or audio/video recording against reasonable consent,

    • sustained disruption of talks or other events,

    • inappropriate physical contact

    • unwelcome sexual attention. Harassment does not need to be recognized as unwanted or unwelcome by anyone other than the person being harassed.

  • Be careful in the words that you choose. Remember that sexist, racist, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you. Offensive jokes are not appropriate and will not be tolerated under any circumstance.

  • If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact one of the founders, a member of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Committee or a member of the Board of Directors immediately.


2️⃣ Personal Conduct

While it is not possible to list all forms of behaviour that are considered unacceptable in the workplace, here are some examples:

  • Falsifying information on any forms, reports, records, including personal absence, sickness, and time sheets

  • Falsely stating or making claims of injury

  • Removing or using, without authority, property, records or other materials of the Company or other persons

  • Theft or inappropriate removal or possession of property

  • Fighting, assaulting, threatening, intimidating or coercing any visitor or employee

  • Refusing to follow supervisor's directions or instructions or other insubordinate conduct

  • Violating safety, health rules and practices, or engaging in conduct, which creates a safety hazard

  • Engaging in unlawful or improper conduct off the work premises or during non-working hours, which affects an employee's relationship to work, fellow employees, supervisors or Company’s property, reputation or goodwill in the community

  • Excessive absenteeism or any absence without notice

  • Carrying or concealing any weapon into the office premises

  • Working under influence of alcohol or illegal drugs

  • Possession, distribution, sales, transfer or use of alcohol or illegal drugs in workplace, while on duty, or while operating employer-owned vehicles or equipment

  • Disclosing confidential/financial information to any outsider

  • Committing a fraudulent act or a breach of trust in any circumstances

Dress Code

  • Feel free to dress comfortably and authentically according to your own style, religion, or gender expression.

  • Use good judgment in dressing in order to present a neat, well- groomed appearance while conducting business, in or outside of the office.

  • When meeting with clients (either in person or on video calls), lean toward the more formal end of your wardrobe. For example, if you usually wear t-shirts, when meeting with clients, wear your nice t-shirt.

  • Occasionally you’ll be invited to attend a client event with a specific dress code. If you choose to attend, follow their lead. If you are uncomfortable with the rules, you are welcome to opt out and it will not reflect on you as an employee.

Using the office

  • Use the Internet in a manner that is ethical and lawful. Use of the Internet must solely be for business purposes and must not interfere with employee productivity.

  • Keep your work area clean and tidy. Keep tools, equipment and materials in their designated place.

  • Ensure that you are disposing waste correctly in bathrooms and in the pantry.

  • Maintain hygiene in the toilets.

  • Keep fire exits, fire extinguishers, doors and aisles clear and easy to access at all times.

Confidential Information

  • Do not disclose or use any of Obvious's confidential information, either during or after your employment.

  • Do not leave any sensitive information lying about or unguarded.


3️⃣ Complaint Policy

Obvious has a virtual open-door policy, so employees are encouraged to report work-related concerns or any workplace complaint even if it’s not about something that’s explicitly covered in our written policies.

  • If something about your job is bothering you, or if you have a question, concern, idea, or problem related to your work, please discuss it with your Manager as soon as possible.

  • If for any reason you don’t feel comfortable discussing it with your manager, feel free to raise the issue with any of the founders or anyone on the Board of Directors.

If there is a situation you are unsure about or feel like has the potential to violate this code of ethical conduct, speak to your Manager or the Administrator.


4️⃣ Working with clients

As consultants, our ways of working and the behaviour that is expected from us is different from what is expected from full-time employees. In order to avoid (even the appearance of a conflict of interest), employees/consultants are expected to abide by the following code of ethical conduct.

  • Do not solicit anything of value from any person or organization with which the Company has a current or potential business relationship.

  • Do not accept any item of value from any party in exchange for or in connection with a business transaction between the Company and that other party.

  • You may accept items of incidental value from customers, suppliers or others as long as the gift is not given in response to solicitation on her part and as long as it implies no exchange for business purposes. Items may include gifts, gratuities, food, drink and entertainment. Any item mentioned above which is more than ₹2,500 should be declared to the respective Program Officer/Manager and the Administrator.

  • Disregarding or failing to comply with this standard of business ethics and conduct could lead to disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination of employment.

  • Employees and Consultants may not participate in activities that conflict with or appear to conflict with the business interests of Obvious and/or our clients’ and/or Donors or that hurt the employee’s job performance.


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