In the workplace, as in virtually all facets of life, there need to be rules to ensure that everyone understands what is expected of them and how to behave. Most employers will create a set of rules for the workplace referred to as a code of conduct. This code is one of a series of documents that guides employee behavior on the clock.

Creating a code of conduct, however, isn’t as simple as it may sound. Not only do you need to account for the various behavioral challenges an employee may encounter at work, but you also need to approach the creation of your code with caution. How things are worded can create legal pitfalls, and you also run the risk of violating civil rights laws by barring certain practices.

Think About the Environment

While your employee code of conduct should include the obvious things like don’t sexually harass coworkers, don’t engage in threats and violence and other self-evident problematic behavior, your work environment can make a difference. For example, if you own an entertainment venue, the dress code portion of your code of conduct will likely be different from the dress code of an investment banking firm. For more information about employee code of conduct, visit the website.

What About Enforcement Actions?

Aside from outlining what is expected of employees, your code of conduct also needs to include enforcement actions. What are the potential consequences for violating the code of conduct? Are all violations viewed as equal, or are some more serious than others? When employees understand the consequences of their actions, you create an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Include an Acknowledgment Page

You also want to include an acknowledgment page that each employee signs. This page states that the employee has been provided with a copy of the code of conduct, that they have read the materials and that they agree to abide by the code.

Having a signed copy of this page is important if a situation ever warrants the need to prove acknowledgment in court. This page should be securely filed with other documents pertaining to each employee’s account with the company.

Read a similar article about Canada payroll software here at this page.