Report highlights generational differences in workplace violence prevention training and reporting
Workplace safety
Navigating the workplace can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, you want to do what’s right for your team, clients and company. But the line between “right” and “wrong” isn’t always clear. That’s where a strong set of ethical guidelines, like a code of conduct, plays a crucial role.
Having a comprehensive code of conduct is key to defining the ethical behavior you expect from your workforce. However, without clear and accessible guidelines, a code can easily become just another document. To be truly effective, your code of conduct must be brought to life through regular training that helps employees internalize its principles and feel empowered to uphold it, fostering a culture of accountability.
What is a Code of Conduct?
A code of conduct is a set of written policies that reflect a business’s commitment to integrity, compliance and accountability. It provides valuable guidance on what doing the right thing means in your organization and offers direction on how to handle ethical dilemmas in alignment with your core principles.
When employees understand that ethical behavior is a top priority, they’re more likely to report misconduct and engage positively at work. In fact, according to a study by the Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI), 68% of employees are more inclined to report misconduct when they see a strong commitment to ethics from leadership. Additionally, the ECI found that organizations with robust ethics and compliance programs are 42% less likely to experience misconduct.
By ensuring that everyone — from entry-level staff to top executives — operates with the same ethical standards, a code of conduct builds trust between the company and its employees, clients and partners. It helps reduce the risk of misconduct and legal issues that can arise from poor decisions to protect the company’s reputation and guide its long-term success.
What is Code of Conduct Training?
Code of conduct training explains how employees can apply the company’s ethical guidelines in everyday situations. It bridges the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that everyone understands how to handle ethical issues they may encounter.
“A code of conduct, paired with effective training, fosters a shared sense of responsibility and reinforces the message that we’re all in this together,” says Casey Heck, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Traliant. “Training at every level on your code reinforces the importance of ethical behavior and ensures that employees know how to recognize and handle ethical challenges.”
The Importance of Code of Conduct Training
Having a code of conduct is a start but bringing it to life is essential for real adherence. Effective training helps employees connect the code to their everyday roles, making it something they can relate to and act on. Here’s how effective training makes a difference:
Inspires the Right Behaviors
Code of conduct training guides your employees on expected behaviors, focusing on values like honesty, integrity, respect, and inclusion. It doesn’t just outline rules but explains the positive impact of ethical behavior while highlighting the consequences of misconduct.
Raises Awareness of Ethical Issues
Training helps employees recognize and manage ethical dilemmas they may encounter in the workplace, from conflicts of interest to data privacy. It uses relatable, everyday scenarios to explain these topics, whether your employees work on-site, remotely or in a hybrid environment. This approach ensures that the standards in your code of conduct apply universally across your organization.
Adapts to Workplace Changes
A code isn’t just a document; it’s a living, breathing part of your organization. As the workplace evolves, so should your code of conduct. Updating your training regularly to address new challenges — such as advances in technology, changes in remote work policies or updated regulations — ensures your employees stay informed and compliant.
Encourages Employees to Speak Up
A strong code of conduct promotes a culture where employees feel safe to raise concerns. Training provides clear guidance on how to report unethical behavior and reassures employees that they are protected when doing so.
Reinforces Compliance and Accountability
Ongoing training is essential for embedding compliance into company culture. Routine reminders and updates help employees retain what they’ve learned and make it easier for them to follow policies, make the right choices and foster a culture of accountability.
10 Questions to Ask When Selecting Code of Conduct Training
Choosing the right code of conduct training is crucial for ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and fostering an ethical work environment. Here are key questions to consider:
- Is the training legal and compliant?
Does the training provider update content regularly to reflect changes in laws and regulations, keeping your organization compliant and minimizing legal risks?
- Does the training mitigate risks?
Can the training serve as evidence of proactive compliance efforts in the event of legal action? A comprehensive program strengthens your defense.
- Does the platform support recordkeeping?
Robust recordkeeping is essential for compliance audits and legal reviews. Make sure the platform tracks who has completed the training and when.
- Can the training be customized?
Code of Conduct training should feel like a natural extension of your organization’s culture and brand. Can the content be tailored to reflect your company’s specific policies and scenarios? Customization ensures that training feels relevant and directly applicable to your employees.
- Is the training scalable?
Whether you have a team of 50 or 50,000, the training should easily scale to meet the needs of your organization, including remote or globally dispersed employees.
- Is the training accessible?
Training must meet accessibility standards, with features like screen reader compatibility and closed captions. It should also be available in multiple languages.
- Is the training engaging?
Interactive elements and real-world scenarios help employees stay engaged and retain the material, making it more likely they’ll apply it in their daily roles.
- Is the training compatible across devices?
The training should be accessible on various devices — desktop, mobile or tablet.
- Does the training offer analytics?
Analytics can provide insights into employee engagement and highlight areas that may need reinforcement, helping you continuously improve the training’s effectiveness.
- Is the provider credible?
Consider the reputation of the training provider, whether it has proven legal expertise in compliance training and if it offers ongoing support for both technical and legal issues.
