As an employer, you expect your workforce to meet a certain standard while at work. You would want them to follow a definite code of conduct while dispersing their professional responsibilities. Interacting respectfully with all coworkers and fulfilling duties with honesty and professionalism are some of the common expectations every organization has from its employees.
Assuming that you and your employees will have a mutual understanding of what is and isn’t acceptable at the workplace might complicate things later on. Therefore, it is crucial to put these procedures down in a formal document. This official document is called an Employee Code Of Conduct Policy.
Employee Code Of Conduct Policy is a set of rules about how employees must conduct themselves when they are working on the office premises. This policy is a comprehensive document that covers several topics, from discrimination to harassment or internet usage to dress codes.
Although most codes of conduct cover these basic issues, it is still crucial to understand that your Employee Code of Conduct policy is novel to your business. This document is meant to support your values and mission.
And therefore, it should include every issue that can impact your organizational goals and objectives. Employers who are planning to formulate an employee code of conduct policy for their organization can take some clues from our employee code of conduct examples.
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What Makes a Good Code of Conduct?
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Example of a Code of Conduct
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Policy Elements
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Disciplinary Actions
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Bottom Line
What Makes a Good Code of Conduct?
Unfortunately, many organizations still struggle to understand how to write a great code of conduct document. So, here are some tips to help you understand the qualities of a good Employee Code of Conduct policy.
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Easy
A good employee code of conduct document is always easy to understand. It shouldn’t contain complex legal or technical jargon
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Comprehensive
An effective Employee Code Of Conduct Policy should be an inclusive document. It must cover all the essential details that can impact the daily work of the employees
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Accessible
An efficient employee code of conduct policy should be easily accessible to all employees and investors
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Appealing
An official code of ethics for employees must be drafted professionally. Font, text size and page layouts play a vital role in making it visually appealing
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Approved
The top management of the organization should approve and acknowledge its Employee Code Of Conduct Policy.
Example of a Code of Conduct
We have compiled a few employee codes of conduct examples for you for a better understanding.
Policy Purpose and Brief
Our Employee Code Of Conduct Policy summarizes our expectations regarding employee behavior towards coworkers and senior management. We endorse open communication and freedom of expression. But we also expect employees to strictly follow this code of conduct. Being a participant in disputes, offending employees and creating disruptions at the workplace are behavior we don’t support.
Scope
This Employee Code Of Conduct Policy applies to all the employees regardless of their rank, location and employment agreement. It also applies to third parties like suppliers, agents and consultants.
Policy Elements
Here is a list of essential elements that makes a code of conduct in the workplace more comprehensive.
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Compliance with Law
All employees must follow the laws of the organization. They are also expected to comply with all the safety, environmental and fair dealing laws. They must be ethical with the company’s products, finances, public image and partnerships.
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Respect in the Workplace
Employees must respect all their associates. The company won’t tolerate any instances of discrimination, victimization or harassment at the workplace. Everyone will get equal opportunity to work and perform in the organization.
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Protection of Property
All personnel should treat both material and intangible properties of the company with care and respect. They should respect every incorporeal property like copyright, trademarks and reports. They must also protect tangible company properties like vehicles and buildings from vandalism and damage, whenever possible.
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Professionalism
All the employees associated with the organization must show professionalism and integrity at the workplace.
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Appearance
Employees must follow the company’s dress code and appearance guidelines given in the code of conduct in the workplace.
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Corruption
The management discourages its employees from accepting gifts from company partners and clients. We also strictly prohibit enticements for the benefit of any internal or external party.
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Job Authority and Duties
All employees are expected to fulfil their professional duties and responsibilities with integrity. They should be honest while dealing with stakeholders, consumers and the community. Managers and supervisors should respect their juniors and team members. They must distribute duties according to the proficiencies and workload of the employees. On the same note, team members should also obey and follow the instructions of their managers. It will help them in completing their duties skillfully and on time.
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Tardiness and Absenteeism
All employees must follow their work schedule without fail. However, we allow some leniency on occasions that prevent workers from following standard working schedules.
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Conflict of Interest
Employees must avoid any financial, personal or other interests that may hinder their willingness or capabilities to perform their duties.
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Collaboration
All the employees should be collaborative and friendly at the workplace. They should make every possible effort to maintain peace and harmony at the workplace.
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Communication
All the employees should be open to communication with their managers, team members and colleagues.
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Benefits
Employees should not misuse their employment benefits like insurance, time off and other facilities.
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Policies
We expect all employees to read and adhere to our code of ethics for employees. They can turn to the Human Resource department or their managers for any queries and concerns.
Disciplinary Actions
The management is bound to take disciplinary action against the workers who intentionally and repeatedly fail to adhere to the code of conduct in the workplace. Please note that the disciplinary actions will depend upon the extent of the violation. Possible actions include:
- Reprimand
- Demotion
- Termination or suspension for serious offences
- Detraction of employee benefits for an indefinite or definite period
The management can take legal action against defaulters in case of theft, embezzlement, corruption and dishonest behavior.
Bottom Line
So, this is how a good code of conduct in the workplace should look like. Apart from these, you can also add clauses for internet usage, confidentiality procedures and community involvement. Whatever clauses you add, ensure that they are in alignment with your company’s mission and values.
At Harappa, we understand the relevance of having an efficient Employee Code Of Conduct Policy. Our Navigating Workplaces course aims to make you master the art of drafting an effective code of conduct in the workplace for your company.
It is an easy-to-learn online course that helps you understand the nuances of formal policy formulations. If you wish to excel at your profession and want people to know you by the quality of work you deliver, this online course is a must for you.
Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as What is Employee Value Proposition, Implementing Change through Nudge Theory, How To Coach Your Employees and Importance Of Employee Engagement to build strong professional networks.