By Grace Carter, Educator & Content Manager
Boomessays and UK Writings services
There is no business that is too small for a code of ethics. This can be a powerful tool in helping you maintain a healthy business atmosphere and avoid some common workplace issues.
Some small companies believe that they don’t need a code of conduct because they don’t have too many employees but this is exactly where problems can occur. You have to be straightforward and take this matter seriously from day one. This also means that you have to embrace and respect every aspect of your code yourself.
What the code will say is up to you since there are always some specific issues in each company that have to be addressed. However, some rules are good to have in general to stop bad situations from arising.
Here are some tips on writing a good code of conduct for your business.
Define your priorities
When you start writing your code of conduct, you should think of some recent issues and your own values. This, in combination, will help you define what your priorities are. What this really means is that a company should discover its boundaries – what they will never do or never tolerate no matter what.
This will be the frame of your code and something you should educate new employees in from day one.
Get some help
You certainly can write a code of conduct alone. However, you will do a better job if you ask for some input from your employees or team members. They will probably have some ideas as to what should be included and what you should tread more lightly on.
Employees at the lowest level especially together with managers will have valuable information on things that bother them.
Mind the pitfalls
As with everything in life, there are pitfalls. Some rules that you set will not be appealing to everyone. You could also fail to set some rules because at first, you won’t think that it is such a big deal. This is why help is always needed.
“Take relationships between coworkers, for example. They really don’t seem like an issue. However, think of the aftermath when that relationship ends or when problems occur – you’ll have plenty of issues then,” says Dan Wilcox, a business writer at EliteAssignmentHelp.
Use online tools
If writing isn’t your main job, it could be a bit more difficult for you to manage all of the tasks involved. This is why so many business owners recommend using some of these tools as help:
- ViaWriting and WritingPopulist: Grammar is really important if you want to come off as a professional. Especially if new employees will be introduced to the code. Use these grammar resources to fix your mistakes.
- StateOfWriting and MyWritingWay: Your code should be as readable as possible. It should also be fairly simple to scan when looking for specific rules. Use formatting tools to make sure you achieve that.
- SimpleGrad and LetsGoAndLearn: To find out more about general rules and tips on writing a code of conduct, look these blogs up.
Put someone in charge
After you are done with writing the code of conduct for your business, you should put someone in charge of enforcing it and teaching new employees about the rules. In larger companies, this will usually be someone from human resources but with small companies, you can usually assign someone from your team to do this.
Tell them to notify you of any misconduct or, if the issue is smaller, handle it according to the code. You should also provide them with guidance on how to communicate with employees on this matter and give them tools to help in teaching the rules to the new team members.
Don’t be too strict
Some issues are naturally, bigger than others. You shouldn’t forbid something just because you don’t like it. For example, if you don’t like food at your workplace but it makes your employees happy and it doesn’t affect their efficiency, you shouldn’t forbid them from bringing it. As your company grows, you will be able to set more rules. But, for a small number of employees, it’s enough to address the big issues and leave the small ones for later.
Takeaway
Setting rules is never easy, especially if you didn’t have a code of conduct from the beginning and you are only now trying to bring it into your company. It’s not something your employees are used to and it’s understandable that you are going to face some resistance at the beginning. Be patient and firm in your beliefs and priorities and remember these rules when writing your code.
And these are the keys of a successful manager.
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