As a startup, you may be wondering, "how do you write a code of conduct?" Why is it important for businesses to have a professional code?

A code of conduct defines expectations within the workplace. It sets standards for ethical business conduct so that employees know how to behave when representing your company.

How do you write a code of conduct? Writing your company’s code of ethical standards can be intimidating but we'll provide business conduct examples to help guide you as you create your own.

What is a Code of Conduct?

A code of conduct is a set of rules, values, and standards that guide the behavior of individuals within an organization. It sets expectations for how employees should act in order to maintain a professional environment and ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

Do You Need a Code of Conduct?

Having an effective code of conduct helps organizations create a positive work culture by setting clear boundaries on acceptable behavior while also encouraging respect among all members of the team.

It can also help protect companies from potential legal issues such as discrimination or harassment claims by providing clear guidelines on these topics.

How Do You Write a Code of Conduct Document?

Most written codes include policies around dress code, use of technology (e-mail/internet), attendance requirements, confidentiality agreements, anti-discrimination statements, and conflict resolution procedures.

Many companies also include language about their commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as industry-specific regulations like OSHA requirements.

Establishing these guidelines allows everyone in the company to have clarity on expectations, which ultimately leads to greater productivity and efficiency within the workplace.

Who Writes an Employee Code of Conduct?

Creating an employee code of conduct is no small task. It’s important to make sure that everyone in the organization has a say in what goes into it so that it reflects the values and culture of your business.

The human resources team is typically responsible for pulling together this formal document, but they shouldn’t do it alone. Employees should be included in the process — after all, they are likely to have valuable insight into what behaviors should be addressed by a code of conduct.

Inviting employees to provide input can also help demonstrate how you value their ideas and opinions. This can go a long way towards improving morale and productivity within your organization — something that 34% of employees worldwide feel their companies don't prioritize enough.

In addition to getting feedback from staff members, you may want to consult with legal professionals or other external experts who specialize in writing codes of conduct for businesses like yours. They will be able to provide guidance on any laws or regulations relevant to your industry or geographic area that must be taken into account when drafting this document.

Ultimately, creating an effective employee code of conduct requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders both inside and outside your company. If done correctly, it can help ensure that everyone understands how best to behave while representing your business.

How Do You Write a Code of Conduct

Writing a code of conduct for your staff is an important step in setting the tone and expectations for how employees should interact with each other, customers, and vendors.

How do you write a code of conduct? Here are five steps to help you get started.

1. Identify The Core Elements

Think about what’s important to your organization when it comes to workplace behavior. Common topics include respect, integrity, communication, safety, diversity and inclusion, and harassment prevention. Make sure you cover all the bases that apply to your business.

2. Sketch an Outline

Once you have identified the core elements of your code of conduct document, outline them in bullet points or short phrases so they can be easily referenced later on during the writing process.

3. Fill In The Blanks

Start adding some meat to the document by filling in those blanks with details specific to your company's policies and procedures such as acceptable work hours or vacation time off policy.

4. Follow Best Practices

As you write out each section, make sure that it follows best practices such as using appropriate, easy-to-understand language and providing enough detail so everyone understands what is expected from them at work without any confusion or ambiguity.

5. Get Feedback

Ask for volunteers from across your company — both managers and employees — to review the document carefully.

Does this accurately reflect our culture? Is there anything missing? Are there any areas where we need additional clarification?

Incorporate their feedback into your final draft before distributing it.

Implementing Your Code of Conduct

Once you have approved the final draft, it's time to communicate your code of conduct to employees. This can be done through emails, posters, or handbooks. Make sure that all employees are aware of the code and understand it fully.

A good way to ensure compliance is through regular training sessions. During these meetings, HR can explain each policy thoroughly while encouraging open dialogue between managers and staff members about any questions they may have about specific provisions in the policy.

Provide examples and scenarios so that everyone understands what behaviors are expected from them while at work. Training should also include consequences for violations as well as resources available in case they need more information.

Monitor employee behavior to ensure that they are following your company's code of conduct. Have supervisors check in with team members and address any concerns promptly.

Consider implementing an anonymous reporting system so that employees feel comfortable voicing any potential violations without fear or retribution from management or their peers.

Furthermore, companies should review their codes regularly — at least once every two years — to make sure they remain up-to-date with current laws governing employee rights.

By implementing your code of conduct, you can ensure that your employees understand the expectations and standards expected of them.

So, how do you write a code of conduct? Let's look at some examples.

15 Best Code of Conduct Examples

Creating a code of conduct is an important step in ensuring your organization has the best ethical standards. But, it can be hard to know where to start when writing one.

Here are 15 examples from some of the world’s biggest companies.

1. Amazon

Amazon’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics sets out expectations for all employees, including those related to diversity and inclusion, respect for others, compliance with laws and regulations, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and more.

2. Apple

Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct outlines its commitment to human rights by requiring suppliers to:

• Provide safe working conditions.
• Treat workers with dignity and respect.
• Act ethically.
• Protect the environment.
• Comply with applicable laws.
• Ensure fair wages.
• Promote equal opportunity employment practices.
• Maintain accurate records and reports on labor practices.
• Prohibit child labor or forced labor or any other form of involuntary servitude or slavery-like practices.

3. AT&T

 AT&T requires its employees to adhere to a strict code of ethics which includes conducting business without deception or fraud as well as avoiding activities that could create a conflict of interest such as accepting gifts from vendors or customers without prior approval from management.

4. Bank of America

Bank of America’s Code Of Responsible Business Practices covers topics such as customer service excellence, responsible lending practices, environmental stewardship and sustainability, and anti-corruption measures like bribery prevention training programs.

5. Boeing

Boeing's Corporate Responsibility Principles include respecting human rights across their supply chain while also protecting employee safety through rigorous health and safety standards at work sites around the globe.

6. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola's Code Of Business Conduct And Ethics outlines its commitment to creating a workplace free from discrimination, maintaining high product quality standards, and adhering strictly to anti-bribery policies in order to prevent corruption within its ranks.

7. Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies' Global Citizenship Statement emphasizes how the company strives towards building an inclusive culture that values diversity while promoting transparency and accountability throughout every level of the organization.

8. Starbucks

The Starbucks Standards of Business Conduct document outlines expectations for the work environment, business practices, intellectual property rights, and community involvement. It also provides guidance on how to handle difficult situations with integrity by providing an ethical decision-making framework.

9. Mastercard

The Mastercard Code of Conduct outlines the company’s purpose — to make commerce easier and more secure for everyone — and explains how it applies to jobs at Mastercard. It also includes a visual aid called "The Mastercard Way" that illustrates core values such as integrity, respect, collaboration, innovation, accountability, and excellence.

10. Allstate

Allstate's Global Code of Business Conduct outlines key areas such as cross-border business, diversity, protecting company information, community involvement, and more. Allstate's code of conduct sets clear guidelines on how to behave professionally at work and holds individuals accountable if they don't follow the rules.

11. Best Buy

Best Buy’s Code of Ethics is a comprehensive set of guidelines for employees and leadership to ensure ethical behavior. It includes topics such as:

• Respect for customers, suppliers, competitors, and coworkers.
• Compliance with laws.
• Fair dealing.
• Confidentiality.
• Protection of intellectual property rights.
• Accuracy in financial reporting and record keeping.
• Conflicts of interest.
• Proper use of company assets.
• Workplace safety standards and procedures.
• Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies.

12. General Motors

The General Motors (GM) Code of Conduct is comprehensive yet easy to understand. It outlines GM’s commitment to upholding its values of integrity, respect, trustworthiness, accountability, and fairness. The document also includes a decision-making model that employees can use when faced with an ethical dilemma.

13. L'Oreal

The L'Oreal Code of Ethics outlines what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable for employees, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders. It also provides guidance on how to report any concerns or misconduct incidents that may arise. The code emphasizes integrity, respect for human rights, diversity, and inclusion while detailing topics such as product safety standards, competition law compliance, data protection, and environmental sustainability.

14. Nokia

The Nokia Code of Conduct outlines how employees should use company resources responsibly, what types of behavior are prohibited, as well as guidelines on reporting misconduct or violations. It also includes detailed information about anti-corruption laws that must be followed at all times.

15. Hewlett-Packard

HP's code of conduct called Integrity at HP sets the standard for ethical behavior within the company. It begins by outlining "The HP Way" which includes three core values: trustworthiness, respect, and responsibility. Integrity at HP also provides employees with a visual decision-making guide that helps them navigate ethically challenging situations they may encounter at work.

Conclusion

These companies provide great examples of how do you write a code of conduct for your business. Writing a code of conduct requires careful consideration and thoughtfulness, but when done correctly, can help create an environment where everyone feels safe and respected.

Are you an entrepreneur, founder, manager, or operational leader looking for a way to grow and scale your business? Trainual can help! We provide comprehensive solutions that focus on documenting processes and policies as well as providing superior onboarding, offboarding, and training experiences.

With our easy-to-use platform, we can help you create a code of conduct tailored specifically to the needs of your company. Get started today with Trainual and unlock the potential of your team while ensuring they are held accountable.