Workplace ethics are codes of conduct that encourage ethical behavior, respect for all employees, and honesty with customers. They are shaped by laws and regulations, as well as business ethics, and can be improved with the help of consultants. Companies that prioritize workplace ethics tend to have lower turnover rates and higher productivity.
Workplace ethics are codes of conduct that influence the development of an ethical culture within the workplace. Going beyond what is considered legal in the area in which the company operates, they inspire communication among employees, enable respect to be extended to each person within the organization, and foster customer relationships based on honesty and integrity. While there are key elements that tend to define a work-based code of ethics, the specific expressions of these core values vary from one business setting to another.
It is important to remember that workplace ethics are shaped by two important factors. First, the workplace policy must be in harmony with all laws and regulations currently in effect in the jurisdiction in which the company operates. This helps ensure that basic ethics preclude any pressure or coercion to take actions that are considered illegal, promote workplace discrimination, advocate unfair hiring and firing practices, or allow wages to be set below minimum legal standards for ‘area.
In addition to being shaped by laws and regulations, workplace ethics are also influenced by business ethics. For example, ethical business practices include actions such as not using marketing materials or campaigns that mislead consumers. Workplace ethics would also involve setting up and operating support networks such as wellness programs that help employees be healthy and happy. Such an ethic would also involve making a conscious effort to cultivate a work environment where people want to come to work and be productive because of pride in what they do for a living.
While companies tend to comply with the laws and regulations set by local jurisdictions, not all companies see the need to develop a workplace ethic that affirms the value of employees and motivates them to be productive in the workplace. When a company chooses to do no more than what is required by local law, the chances of heavy employee turnover are much higher. Furthermore, it is easier for cliques to develop among certain groups of employees, a state that can often undermine productivity and cost the company a lot in terms of time and revenue generation.
One of the tasks faced by many business consultants is to help clients assess the state of workplace ethics in their offices and manufacturing facilities, and then find ways to expand and improve those ethics at all levels of the operation. Often, consultants can spot problems that aren’t immediately apparent to managers and business owners, simply because the problems have been developing incrementally over a long period of time. However, once problems are identified and resolved, the company is likely to be stronger and employees will be significantly happier.
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