Designing a Code of Conduct: What Key Points Can Foster an Innovative Work Culture?

Dear All,

We are in need of designing a code of conduct for our corporate office employees. Kindly suggest some points that can truly make a difference in creating an innovative work culture at our corporate office.

Awaiting your response.

With Regards,
Sujeet S Rajawat

Hello friend,

A code of conduct will generally cover what is considered right in the company. The following items may be part of a code of conduct:

1. Use of Company Assets - No misuse of company assets for personal purposes - ensure the safety of company assets, etc.

2. Conflict of Interest - Ensure that employees always work for the company's interest. If there is a possibility of a conflict, they should keep away and declare the possibility of a conflict of interest.

Employing Relatives - Inform management if a relative is called for selection. Do not involve oneself in selecting and appointing a relative without prior intimation and approval of management.

Abuse of Alcohol - Prohibit the use of alcohol in the workplace.

Harassment - Prevent all kinds of harassment - slurs, abusive language, derogatory remarks are prohibited. Bullying of any kind is prohibited.

Sexual Harassment - Any kind of sexual harassment.

Receiving Gifts and Bribes - Giving of bribes and cash is prohibited. Giving and receiving gifts up to a limit (say Rs 500/- max) may be permitted.

Reporting Violations of Company Policies - All employees are responsible for reporting violations of company policy to the management/ombudsperson appointed by the company.

Misrepresenting Company and Facts - There should not be any misrepresentation about the company - financial statements, inventory levels.

Disclosure of Company Information - Employees should not disclose company confidential information to outside parties.

I hope these points will help in preparing a code of conduct.

Regards,

Nishikant

Dear Friend,

There are some additional suggestions regarding the way in which they are presented:

1) Company Assets: The employee should ensure proper usage of company assets and not waste them for personal use such as electricity, internet, phone, etc.

2) Dress Code: Employees are expected to dress formally from Monday to Friday and casually with no gaudy colors on Saturdays. The dress should adhere to Indian official standards, be decent, and non-provocative.

3) Improper Behavior: Any inappropriate behavior by employees should be first reported to your Group Head and HR personnel, such as accessing pornographic sites, using bad language, making indecent remarks, or engaging in any sexual acts or expressions that hurt the modesty of employees and office etiquette.

4) Obedience: Employees are expected to abide by all the rules and regulations set by the company and report to the Group Leader, following instructions given to them in an official capacity.

5) Prohibited Materials: Employees should not possess any intoxicants such as weapons, drugs, wine, or cigarettes during working hours, within the company premises, or outside the premises for official work.

6) Confidentiality: Employees shall not disclose any official material or confidential matters or documents to outsiders such as competitors or individuals not associated with the company, which could be detrimental to the company's operations.

7) Respect: Employees should treat all colleagues and seniors with due respect in words and actions.

Thanks and Regards,

Mangesh Desai.