Sample Employee Code of Conduct Policy
The Employee Code of Conduct policy details the behavioral expectations for employees towards colleagues, supervisors, and the organization. It emphasizes open communication, professionalism, respect, and adherence to laws, while also outlining potential disciplinary actions for violations.
A code of conduct policy outlines the appropriate behaviour employees are expected to follow in the workplace towards their colleagues, supervisors and overall organisation. This sample Employee Code of Conduct Company Policy template is ready to be tailored to your company’s needs and should be considered a starting point for setting up your employment policies. An employee code of conduct policy may also be referred to as a Conduct in the Workplace Policy.
This employee code of conduct policy should include:
- Guidelines on compliance with laws and ethical behavior.
- Standards for respect in the workplace and prevention of discriminatory behavior or harassment.
- Protocols for the protection and appropriate use of company property.
Employee code of conduct policy template
Policy brief & purpose
Our Employee Code of Conduct company policy outlines our expectations regarding employees’ behavior towards their colleagues, supervisors and overall organization.
We promote freedom of expression and open communication. But we expect all employees to follow our code of conduct. They should avoid offending, participating in serious disputes and disrupting our workplace. We also expect them to foster a well-organized, respectful and collaborative environment.
Scope
This policy applies to all our employees regardless of employment agreement or rank.
Policy elements
What are the components of an Employee Code of Conduct Policy?
Company employees are bound by their contract to follow our Employee Code of Conduct while performing their duties. We outline the components of our Code of Conduct below:
Compliance with law
All employees must protect our company’s legality. They should comply with all environmental, safety and fair dealing laws. We expect employees to be ethical and responsible when dealing with our company’s finances, products, partnerships and public image.
Respect in the workplace
All employees should respect their colleagues. We won’t allow any kind of discriminatory behavior, harassment or victimization. Employees should conform with our equal opportunity policy in all aspects of their work, from recruitment and performance evaluation to interpersonal relations.
Protection of Company Property
All employees should treat our company’s property, whether material or intangible, with respect and care.
Employees:
- Shouldn’t misuse company equipment or use it frivolously.
- Should respect all kinds of incorporeal property. This includes trademarks, copyright and other property (information, reports etc.) Employees should use them only to complete their job duties.
Employees should protect company facilities and other material property (e.g. company cars) from damage and vandalism, whenever possible.
Professionalism
All employees must show integrity and professionalism in the workplace:
- Personal appearance
All employees must follow our dress code and personal appearance guidelines.
- Corruption
We discourage employees from accepting gifts from clients or partners. We prohibit briberies for the benefit of any external or internal party.
- Job duties and authority
All employees should fulfill their job duties with integrity and respect toward customers, stakeholders and the community. Supervisors and managers mustn’t abuse their authority. We expect them to delegate duties to their team members taking into account their competences and workload. Likewise, we expect team members to follow team leaders’ instructions and complete their duties with skill and in a timely manner.
We encourage mentoring throughout our company.
- Absenteeism and tardiness
Employees should follow their schedules. We can make exceptions for occasions that prevent employees from following standard working hours or days. But, generally, we expect employees to be punctual when coming to and leaving from work.
- Conflict of interest
We expect employees to avoid any personal, financial or other interests that might hinder their capability or willingness to perform their job duties.
- Collaboration
Employees should be friendly and collaborative. They should try not to disrupt the workplace or present obstacles to their colleagues’ work.
- Communication
All employees must be open for communication with their colleagues, supervisors or team members.
- Benefits
We expect employees to not abuse their employment benefits. This can refer to time off, insurance, facilities, subscriptions or other benefits our company offers.
All employees should read and follow our company policies. If they have any questions, they should ask their managers or Human Resources (HR) department.
Disciplinary actions
Our company may have to take disciplinary action against employees who repeatedly or intentionally fail to follow our code of conduct. Disciplinary actions will vary depending on the violation.
Possible consequences include:
- Demotion.
- Reprimand.
- Suspension or termination for more serious offenses.
- Detraction of benefits for a definite or indefinite time.
We may take legal action in cases of corruption, theft, embezzlement or other unlawful behavior.
Disclaimer: This policy template is meant to provide general guidelines and should be used as a reference. It may not take into account all relevant local, state or federal laws and is not a legal document. Neither the author nor Workable will assume any legal liability that may arise from the use of this policy. |