Code of Conduct

Owned by Renata Pereira Juraski
Last updated: Jul 09, 2024
5 min read

Welcome to Rocket.Chat! We empower organizations to own their conversations by developing the world’s most flexible and secure open-source communications platform.

The core of our culture is our DOTS! They represent who we are, and who we want to be, and they show us the behaviours and competencies we should expect from every Rocketeer. And our DOTS extend and inform how we work – summarized here in our foundational code of conduct.

Purpose

This code of conduct is our guide for ethical and responsible work as well as enduring success as a company and team. It reflects our enduring commitment to work and deliver on our mission with diversity, inclusion, and impact. We strive to set a high standard and establish a strong foundation.

By adhering to this code, we pledge to act with integrity, uphold ethical principles, and nurture an environment where innovation, collaboration, and doing right thrive. Together, let's build a Community that not only achieves remarkable milestones but also leaves a lasting positive impact on our world.

Scope

This policy applies to all Rocket.Chat's employees and contractors, regardless of their employment agreement or position. It is the responsibility of all individuals within the company to comply with the conditions outlined in this policy, as well as adhere to all applicable laws and regulations in the countries where Rocket.Chat operates. Rocket.Chat is committed to extending and ensuring compliance with these requirements to its employees, suppliers, and subcontractors.

Rocket.Chat Code of Conduct

1. Respect and Inclusion

At Rocket.Chat, we treat every individual with respect and dignity. We promote an inclusive and diverse environment where we treat all employees, customers, and partners fairly and without discrimination, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or other characteristics.

2. Professionalism

We maintain a high standard of professionalism in all our interactions, both within the organization and with external stakeholders. We communicate with honesty and integrity.

All Rocketeers must show integrity and professionalism in the workplace and in regard to the following areas:

  • Corruption and Bribery

At Rocket.Chat, we're all about maintaining the highest ethical standards. It's important that every Rocketeer follows anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other applicable regulations. This means no shady payments, being clear and transparent with gifts and entertainment, checking out third parties, and speaking up if you spot any issues. Remember, if you have questions or see any red flags, just reach out to the legal team for guidance.

  • Job Duties and Authority

All Rocketeers should perform their work duties with integrity and respect towards co-workers, customers, stakeholders, and the community.

Supervisors and managers must not abuse their authority. We expect them to delegate duties to their team members, taking into account their abilities and workload. We also expect team members to follow instructions given by their leaders and complete their assignments skillfully and in a timely manner. We encourage mentoring throughout our company. If the Rocketeer is taking other paid duties from 3rd parties, it has to be approved by their manager.

  • Conflict of interest

We expect employees to avoid personal, financial, or other interests that might restrain their capability or willingness to perform their job duties.

  • Collaboration

Rocketeers should be friendly and collaborative. They should try not to disrupt the workplace or present obstacles to their colleagues’ work.

  • Communication

Rocket.Chat highly values open and effective communication. We expect Rocketeers to engage in open dialogue with colleagues, supervisors, and team members. When using social media, do not promote our interests by commenting on market consolidations, name changes, or similar events. We build our success on skill and professionalism rather than negative discussions about competitors or others.

  • Benefits

We expect Rocketeers to not abuse their employment benefits. This can refer to time off, insurance, facilities, subscriptions or other benefits our company offers.

  • Company Expenses

We try to save money when possible and do not overspend on flights, hotels, restaurants etc. For more information, please refer to our Travel Policy.

  • Signature Rights

We expect all our employees to respect that only Executive Management has signature rights on behalf of the company. The only exception in rare circumstances is if a specific signatory obligation is delegated and provided in writing.

  • Policies

All employees should read and follow our company policies. If any questions arise, their direct managers can receive and answer them.

3. Collaboration and Cooperation

We encourage collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork. We value diverse opinions and perspectives. Our DOTS (Dream, Own, Trust, and Share) align with these.

4. Harassment and Discrimination

We do not tolerate in any way displays of harassment, discrimination, and bullying, as well as any behaviour that creates a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment for others. Rocketeers must have equal opportunity in all aspects of their work, from recruitment and performance evaluation to interpersonal relations.

5. Privacy and Confidentiality

We respect the privacy and confidentiality of all sensitive information. Employees must handle personal, customer, and company data responsibly and only share it when necessary and authorized. Employees must follow privacy and confidentiality training and guidelines in the Handbook and other training types to ensure proper handling and protection of sensitive information.

We are committed to protecting employees' data in accordance with our employees' privacy policy.

6. Safety

Rocket.Chat takes appropriate measures to ensure the physical and emotional safety of our employees.

7. Compliance With Laws and Regulations

All employees must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies. Any illegal or unethical behaviour is strictly prohibited. All employees must protect our company’s legality. We expect employees to be ethical and responsible when dealing with our company’s finances, products, partnerships, and public image.

8. Intelectual Property and Copyrights

Protection of Rocket.Chat Property

All Rocketeers should treat company property with respect and care, whether material or intangible.

Rocketeers:

  • Should not misuse company equipment or use it frivolously.

  • Should respect all kinds of corporate assets and company intellectual property. It includes trademarks, copyrights, and other property (information, reports, etc.). Rocketeers should use them only to complete their job duties.

  • Should protect company facilities and other material property from damage and vandalism whenever possible.

Third-Party Property

We are committed to maintaining intellectual property rights and strictly prohibit unauthorized use, modification, or distribution of the intellectual property of others without proper authorization, including respecting third-party proprietary rights.

9. Conflict of Interest

Employees must disclose any conflicts of interest that could affect their impartiality or loyalty to the company. We make decisions that prioritize the best interests of Rocket.Chat.

10. Reporting and Enforcement

Any violation of this code of conduct should be reported. Rocket.Chat is committed to investigating all reported incidents and taking appropriate action to address violations.

11. Trainings

We dedicate ourselves to the growth and development of our Rocketeers. Rocket.Chat provides regular training on various topics, including policies such as Export Controls Compliance and Anti-Bribery, Code of Conduct, and Data Privacy.

We expect Rocketeers to actively engage in such training and stay updated by regularly reviewing our documentation, which we are committed to improving. Rocket.Chat also encourages Rocketeers to read and familiarize themselves with it to ensure compliance and contribute to our collective success.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or business relationship, depending on the severity of the infraction as outlined in our Disciplinary Actions Policy.