Create An Ethical Code Of Conduct
A company code of conduct lays out the principles by which staff should operate. It can range from big picture ideals to specific rules.
It can help maintain a high standard of ethics, morale and accountability among staff, financial investors and the public. It can also offer protection against legal action and regulatory fines.
Get input from management and employees on a draft code to ensure it reflects the values they want the business to uphold. It can be combined with a policy document to make it easier for staff to remember.
Create An Ethical Policy
Ethical policies often include measures that address the prevention of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. These policies also frequently cover issues like confidentiality and monitoring of employees.
Many ethical companies are also able to prioritise environmental protection and sustainability, which reduces their ecological footprint. This helps to protect the environment for future generations. In addition, these practices typically have a positive impact on the company’s public image.
Supplier Code Of Conduct
Supplier codes of conduct are an important way for companies to show they care about their suppliers. However, according to a report from sustainability and human rights consultancy Ardea International and the University of Westminster Business School, they can be ineffective if not paired with actions that promote transparency.
Corporations should carefully consider their legal risks and whether they can actually oversee grievances or complaint procedures without being considered a co-employer of their supplier employees. Also, they should include reasonable and realistic implementation and enforcement methods.
Contractors
Companies that deal with the government are required to have a code of conduct for employees and contractors. This document can help mitigate the risks of a government investigation and shows a commitment to conducting business with integrity.
The code of conduct should be written using simple language and distributed with a process to track certification of receipt, understanding and compliance. It should cover topics including intellectual property, work environment and conflict of interest.