An organisation’s code of conduct plays a very important role in informing employees of how the organisation wants to do business. It can also help to set the culture of the business by setting out what is expected of employees.
Importantly, a Code of Conduct sets the expectation of conduct and behaviour in the workplace.
This is critical in all organisations, regardless of size. Without setting the standard clearly and in writing, a business is at risk of fines and/or litigation if there is a dispute or a complaint made by an employee.
Other HR policies can provide more details of expectation and should be based on the principles established in a code of conduct. Policies dealing with harassment, workplace bullying, performance and misconduct, appropriate use of email, internet and computer and social media are important. They give information to your employees in relation to their rights & responsibilities and the expectations and requirements of the business.
A well run organisation also understands the importance of regular, meaningful communication with its employees.
Here are a few of the many ways of ensuring effective communication in the workplace:
· Regular staff meetings where all employees are encouraged to contribute and make suggestions
· A good intranet site or a central point where all important information is kept and maintained, this could be a shared drive that is easily accessible to everyone
· Clear, easily accessible HR policies
· Encourage collaboration
· Be a great listener
· Employee engagement Surveys
· A staff handbook
· Good records management systems
· Clear procedures for reporting problems
· Give and encourage feedback
Steps to prevent discrimination and harassment include:
· Issuing written policy statements which state clearly that discrimination, bullying and harassment will not be tolerated in the workplace and that a breach of these policies will result in disciplinary action – verbal instructions to staff not to discriminate or harass are not enough;
· Regular training of all staff on all of your policies including discrimination, bullying and harassment, outlining the rights and responsibilities of staff in this area;
· Grievance procedures in place so that when an employee feels that they have any type of grievance, they know what to do and know that they have someone to talk to about it.
We can help you stop wasting time and money by providing expert on-demand HR services for an affordable monthly fee.
For assistance with implementing a Code of Conduct and other HR policies, you can book in for a call to see how we can help you: https://booking.myhrpartner.com.au/10minintrocall
For further expert advice on human resources or if you have any questions about anything HR related, get in touch.
Karen Hillen is your HR Partner, she helps businesses by providing HR support and advice services.
For the right HR support and advice, book a My HR Partner HR Advice call with Karen Hillen.
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