Code of Conduct

A Code of Conduct policy sets clear expectations for ethical, lawful, and respectful behavior at work, including conflicts of interest, business integrity, responsible use of resources, and safe reporting of concerns without retaliation.

How to Write a Code of Conduct Policy

• Start with "why" and the purpose of conduct standards.
• State who the Code applies to, including employees and anyone representing your organization.
• Set baseline expectations for ethical conduct, good judgment, and lawful behavior.
• Require honesty and accurate record-keeping in work-related information and reporting.
• Require compliance with key workplace rules, including nondiscrimination, harassment prevention, safety, data protection, and confidentiality.
• Require employees to speak up about unsafe, unethical, or unlawful conduct.
• Prohibit conflicts of interest and require disclosure of situations that could impair objectivity.
• Set standards for fair competition and prohibit bribery, corruption, insider trading, and similar misconduct.
• Define rules for gifts and business courtesies to prevent undue influence or the appearance of favoritism.
• Protect intellectual property, trade secrets, and confidential or sensitive information.
• Require responsible use of organizational resources for legitimate business purposes.
• Explain consequences for violations, including discipline up to and including termination.
• Provide reporting channels and prohibit retaliation for good-faith reports.

For advice on writing a Code of Conduct policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.