Code of Ethics

How to create a code of ethics with a free downloadable template.

A code of ethics and professional conduct outlines the ethical principles

that govern decisions and behavior at a company or organization. They
give general outlines of how employees should behave, as well as
specific guidance for handling issues like harassment, safety, and
conflicts of interest.
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A code of ethics and professional conduct outlines the ethical principles
that govern decisions and behavior at a company or organization. They
give general outlines of how employees should behave, as well as
specific guidance for handling issues like harassment, safety, and
conflicts of interest.

Code of Ethics Compared to a Code of

Conduct:
A code of ethics is broad, giving employees or members a general idea
of what types of behavior and decisions are acceptable and encouraged
at a business or organization. A code of conduct is more focused. It
defines how employees or members should act in specific situations.

Can You Combine a Code of Conduct and

Code of Ethics?
Yes, in most cases businesses will combine both of these documents
into one as there is significant overlap between them. It is rare to find
businesses that have two separate policies. Whilst they are technically
different documents, employees will have less difficulty recalling
important points around conduct and ethics if they have a single
document to refer to.
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
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Download the code of ethics and professional conduct sample above as
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Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Sample Template:
1. Be inclusive.
We welcome and support people of all backgrounds and identities. This
includes, but is not limited to members of any sexual orientation, gender
identity and expression, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, social
and economic class, educational level, color, immigration status, sex,
age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and
physical ability.

2. Be considerate.
We all depend on each other to produce the best work we can as a
company. Your decisions will affect clients and colleagues, and you
should take those consequences into account when making decisions.
3. Be respectful.
We won't all agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for
disrespectful behavior. We will all experience frustration from time to
time, but we cannot allow that frustration become personal attacks. An
environment where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is not a
productive or creative one.

4. Choose your words carefully.

Always conduct yourself professionally. Be kind to others. Do not insult
or put down others. Harassment and exclusionary behavior aren't
acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:

 Threats of violence.
 Insubordination.
 Discriminatory jokes and language.
 Sharing sexually explicit or violent material via electronic devices
or other means.
 Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms.
 Unwelcome sexual attention.
 Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

5. Don't harass.
In general, if someone asks you to stop something, then stop. When we
disagree, try to understand why. Differences of opinion and
disagreements are mostly unavoidable. What is important is that we
resolve disagreements and differing views constructively.

6. Make differences into strengths.

We can find strength in diversity. Different people have different
perspectives on issues, and that can be valuable for solving problems or
generating new ideas. Being unable to understand why someone holds a
viewpoint doesn’t mean that they’re wrong. Don’t forget that we all
make mistakes, and blaming each other doesn’t get us anywhere.

Instead, focus on resolving issues and learning from mistakes.

What to Include in Your Code of Ethics

and Professional Conduct:
A code of ethics and professional conduct consists of four key sections
detailed below. You can cover all of them in a short summary Code of
Ethics and Professional Conduct as we have above, or expand on them
in detail so employees are clear on how to handle many common
situations.

1. The work environment.

Employees should act with integrity, comply with laws, maintain a
professional work environment and comply with company policies.
They should treat customers, colleagues, and partners ethically at all
times.
2. Conflicts of interest.
A company's reputation depends on the actions and integrity of its
employees. It is essential that they avoid relationships and activities that
hurt, or appears to hurt, their ability to make objective and fair
decisions.

3. Protecting company assets.

Employees should always act to protect company assets, including
physical, intellectual, and electronic or digital properties.
4. Anti-bribery and corruption.
A company's integrity is essential for maintaining trustworthiness and
reputation. Employees should always do their work fairly, honestly, and
legally.

5. Attendance and punctuality.

Employees are expected to be regular and punctual in attendance. This
means being in the office, ready to work, at starting time each day.
Absenteeism and tardiness burden other employees and the company.

6. Absence without notice.

Employees who are unable to work due to illness or an accident should
notify their supervisor. This allows the company to arrange for coverage
of their duties and helps others continue to work in their absence. If an
employee does a report for work and the company is not notified of an
employee's status for 3 days, it is typically considered a job
abandonment.

7. General harassment and sexual harassment.

This company is committed to providing a work environment free of
discrimination and unlawful harassment. Actions, words, jokes, or
comments based on an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or
any other legally protected characteristic are not tolerated.

8. Cell phone use at work.

Personal cell phone usage during work hours is discouraged, except in
extreme cases such as an emergency.

9. Dress code.
A professional appearance is important when employees work with
customers or potential customers. Employees should be well-groomed
and dressed appropriately for the business and for their position.

10. Substance abuse.

The manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, or purchase of
controlled substances of abuse on company property is prohibited.
Being under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or substances of
abuse on company property is prohibited. Working while under the
influence of prescription drugs that impair performance is prohibited.

11. Tobacco products.

The use of tobacco products on company property, outside of permitted
areas, is specifically prohibited.

12. Internet use at work.

Employees may use the Internet when appropriate to access information
needed to conduct a business company business. Use of the Internet
must not disrupt or injure the company computer network. Use of the
Internet must not interfere with an employee's productivity.

Conflict of Interest Code of Conduct

Topics.
 Corporate asset contributions.
 Running for public office.
 Insider trading and financial interests.
 Investments in companies employees do business with.
 Employee political interests.
 Significant financial interests in other companies.
 Securities transactions.
 Taking out loans.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption Code of

Conduct Topics.
 Doing business with governments.
 Choosing and maintaining service providers.
 Receiving gifts and entertainment.
 Loans, bribes, and kickbacks.
 Relationships with former employees.
 Obligations of departing and former employees.
 Interaction with competitors.
 Relationships with affiliates, international entities, and customers.

Company Assets Code of Conduct Topics.

 Preparing, maintaining, and disclosing accurate records.
 Information security.
 Protecting communication and information technology systems.
 Protecting external communications.
 Use of company property.
 Use of property owned by others.
 Facility security.
 Protecting intellectual property.

How to Write a Code of Ethics and Code

of Conduct:
1. Review your mission statement and core values.
The goal of a code of ethics is to help employees make decisions that
are in line with what the company or organization values. This should
be distilled into your mission statement and core values, so it's a good
place to start.

2. Talk to stakeholders.
What do management, employees, and clients think are the most
important values of the company to uphold? Get input from everyone
involved to be sure your code reflects what the company stands for.
You can have them all look at a code of conduct template to get ideas
for how their own might look like.

3. Review past ethical issues.

Where has your company faltered with ethics in the past? Where has it
shined? Call attention to problem areas and reinforce the strengths you
already have.

4. See where other companies have faltered.

Have other companies in your industry had recent ethical failures?
Avoid the same pitfalls by covering these issues in your code.

5. Create a draft code for input and discussion.

Give everyone a chance to help decide on the contents of the code of
ethics by inviting them to discuss and give input on a draft.

6. Create a final draft and share it.

Once you've got a final draft approved, share it throughout the
organization. Also, make sure that a copy of it is added to
your employee handbook.

Work Environment Code of Conduct

Topics.
 Equal opportunity.
 Discrimination and harassment.
 Violence policy.
 Safety policy.
 Substance abuse.
 Gambling policy.
 Privacy policy.
 Misconduct explanation and policy.

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Examples
Company Code of Ethics

Alphabet Employees of Alphabet and its subsidiaries and controlled affiliates (“Alphabet”) sho
right thing – follow the law, act honorably, and treat co-workers with courtesy and re

Hershey No matter what job you do or where you do it, you are Hershey. Think about that as
over every business relationship, every transaction, and every product, and make sure
actions always reflect our values.

Starbucks Starbucks empowers all partners to make decisions that impact our reputation. Indivi
actions at work shape how the world views Starbucks, which is why it’s so importan
each take responsibility for Our Starbucks Mission and acting ethically in all situatio
 Under Make the Right Call. It’s as simple as it sounds. Whenever you’re faced with a decisi
Armour or small—always do what you know is ethically right, and, of course, always follow

Verizon We know that bigness is not our strength, best is our strength. Bureaucracy is an enem
fight every day to stay “small” and keep bureaucracy out.

The Importance of a Code of Ethics.

A code of ethics is important because it helps employees or
organization members make decisions that are in line with company
values in the absence of a clear rule or direct supervision. A code of
ethics can improve decision making at a business, and make it easier for
employees to be autonomous.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual harassment policy made easy with free template.
FAQs:

What are the five codes of ethics?

 Integrity.
 Objectivity.
 Professional competence.
 Confidentiality.
 Professional behavior.
Why does a project manager need a code of ethics and
professional conduct?
A code of ethics is important because it helps employees or
organization members make decisions that are in line with company
values in the absence of a clear rule or direct supervision. A code of
ethics can improve decision making at a business, and make it easier
for employees to be autonomous.
What is a Code of Conduct with example?
A professional Code of Conduct is an official document that clearly
defines how a company's employees should behave in the workplace
on a day-to-day basis.
What is the difference between a Code of Ethics and Code of
Conduct?
A code of ethics is broad, giving employees or members a general idea
of what types of behavior and decisions are acceptable and
encouraged at a business or organization. A code of conduct is more
focused. It defines how employees or members should act in specific
situations.
What are the three main categories or types of codes of
ethics?
 Duties to clients and customers.
 Duties to the public.
 Duties to company.

What is included in a code of ethics?

This depends on your business policies and industry. Generally, a
code of ethics should include the six universal moral values, where
you state that you expect an employee to be trustworthy, respectful,
responsible, fair, kind and good citizens. Honorable mentions include
adding that your business celebrates diversity, green practices, and
proper dress codes.
What is a written code of ethics?
A code of ethics helps to guide ethical behavior in the workplace.
Anytime an employee or group of employees need to make a decision,
they can refer back to the code of ethics. The code of ethics also
communicates values and expectations to new employees.
Is a code of ethics required by law?
It depends on your business. However, many businesses are required
to establish a code of ethics.
Can I combine my company's code of conduct and code of
ethics?
Yes, in most cases businesses will combine both of these documents
into one as there is significant overlap between them. It is rare to find
businesses that have two separate policies. Whilst they are technically
different documents, employees will have less difficulty recalling
important points around conduct and ethics if they have a single
document to refer to.
What are some examples of a code of ethics?
1. Alphabet - Employees of Alphabet and its subsidiaries and
controlled affiliates (“Alphabet”) should do the right thing –
follow the law, act honorably, and treat co-workers with courtesy
and respect.
2. Hershey - No matter what job you do or where you do it, you are
Hershey. Think about that as you watch over every business
relationship, every transaction, and every product, and make sure
your actions always reflect our values.
3. Starbucks - Starbucks empowers all partners to make decisions
that impact our reputation. Individual actions at work shape how
the world views Starbucks, which is why it’s so important that we
 each take responsibility for Our Starbucks Mission and acting
ethically in all situations.

How is the code of ethics different from a code of conduct by

definition?
A code of ethics, or professional code of ethics, is usually a set of
general guidelines or values. A code of conduct policy is typically
more specific, giving guidelines for how to respond in certain
situations. A code of conduct example would be a rule expressly
prohibiting accepting or offering bribes.
Does code of ethics vary by profession?
While there may be similarities between a code of ethics for different
industries/businesses, they will also be differences based on the
unique working environments that exist. For example, a code of ethics
for nursing will likely address different issues than a code of ethics for
engineering, but there will still be some overlap.