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Ethics Training – Creating an Ethical Workplace
Workplace ethics training is essential to the success of any business. Having employees that know the rules and boundaries can make all the difference when it comes to productive and efficient work being done. The funny thing is that people understand that ethics and workplace ethics exist separately, when in reality they are one and the same. There is no specific set just for the working environment, but merely the application of those ethics that is done differently in relation to employment as opposed to the application to everyday life.
Ethics training is about teaching employees how to make the choices that are morally right, regardless of how good they feel or how much a person has to gain. Productive members of society live by this code of ethics, which includes things like honesty, trust, respect, and similar principles. Knowing how to integrate these principles into the workplace can prove to be a challenge, to say the least. Some think that if good people are hired, ethics training is irrelevant. However, it can never hurt to offer this training to employees so that they understand the practical application of it in the workplace.
The problem with many businesses and their lack of ethics is that it’s not seen as something desirable. Ethics in the business place are not as popular, because business is about doing what’s best for the business, not about what will make people feel good. Ethics training is often a sore subject for many people, simply because they work in an industry focused on profits and success, rather than that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from living an ethical life. Fortunately, more and more businesses are realizing the importance of ethics to keep them working well and functioning like they should, which is bring ethics training back to the workplace in a positive light.
Business Ethics Must Be Presented, Preserved and Promoted
Business ethics are an almost daily topic in the news, in business schools, in the workplace and in our homes. I pay close attention to business ethics and what is written about them in my daily life as a strategic thinking, planning and business coach. I am still astounded at the remarks of major corporations a few years ago when they said they “waived or suspended” the ethics code or requirements. I am still at a total loss at how anyone can “suspend or waive” ethics.
While I may not be able to explain the suspension or waiving of ethics, I do hope to provide some solid advice on what business and other organizations need to do today to present, preserve and promote ethics in their organizations. Here are ten action items I would recommend:
1. Present ethical behavior as a requirement, not an option. Major business corporations are standing trial, literally and figuratively, for very strong violations of ethics. Acting unethically means that eventually you will be caught. Today is a very opportune time to take advantage of the current business environment to present ethical behavior as a requirement, not an option.
2. Present ethics in all daily interactions with internal and external stakeholders. Unfortunately too many people perceive that ethics only need to be presented to “bad” companies that need to reform. Well, my experience indicates just the opposite. Companies with strong track records of ethical, responsible behavior have the most to gain from a well thought out system to assure the cultivating of ethical corporate culture. Every action by every employee in an ethical culture will reinforce and further the company’s positive reputation.
Business Ethics and Values Do Not Have Expiration Dates
Walk through the aisles of any grocery story or even convenience store, pick up any product and you will see an expiration date. These dates are for your consumer safety as well as to receive the most benefit from the nutrients within the food product.
Yet, recently, I have come to observe that many individuals in business who profess to be true professionals as well as those in government are demonstrating business ethics or values with expiration dates. Initially statements specific to their behaviors are made without a date. Then realizing that change is more difficult than originally expected or will take additional effort a date is added. If the added date is not made, a new date pops up.
The work ethics associated with these behaviors become a moving object. As new dates are added, the impact of the quality decreases to those who are on the receiving end of these expiration dated values.
For example, how many times have we heard that during the tenure of this leadership or management team it will be the most ethical in the organization’s history? Then as time moves forward, we hear, not from leadership, but outside sources about unethical behaviors. Then leadership makes excuses and sets a new expiration date.
