How to Train for Employee Code of Conduct

The employee code of conduct is a set of rules and behavioral expectations set forth by a company to its new and existing employees. The code of conduct is typically printed in the employee handbook, and covers topics including sexual harassment, workplace discrimination and violence. To successfully train employees on the code of conduct, innovative, interactive methods are required.

• 1

  Incorporate the employee code of conduct into the explanation of the company's mission. Make sure the code is not an abstract concept, but an integral part of the core values the business is based upon. Explain to employees that they are now representatives of the company, and that an important aspect of their job function is to display the company's code of conduct in all their interactions, both inside and outside of the company's doors.

• 2

  Involve the employees in the training process. Do not simply sit them down and read the code aloud. Be inventive; create role-playing scenarios that will not only serve as icebreakers and create a team-player atmosphere, but will also demonstrate how the code of conduct feels in action. Create customer/employee scenarios, employee/employee scenarios and employee/supervisor scenarios.

• 3

  Distribute a written copy of the employee code of conduct to all employees present at the training. Make sure the code is also printed in a central location, such as an employee handbook, should anyone lose his individual copy. The code should also be posted in common areas, such as the kitchen or break room, as well as on the employee website.

• 4

  Lead by example. Managing is similar to parenting; a "do what I say, not what I do" attitude will not work. Supervisors and managers must be extra vigilant about embodying the code of conduct, not only with subordinates, but with colleagues as well. Employees often watch subtle cues to determine the true atmosphere of their working environment. Creating a work environment that doesn't practice what it preaches can undermine the morale and integrity of the entire company.

• 5

  Schedule company activities that reinforce the code of conduct. Make sure the code isn't something spoken about once and forgotten, but is an ever-present discussion topic in the halls of your company. Hold periodic meetings that go over the code and do more role playing. Ask employees to discuss moments where they felt challenged to ignore the code, but did the right thing instead. Ask them to discuss moments where their frustration got the better of them. Giving employees a platform to openly support one another and discuss their strengths and difficulties will encourage them to return to work with a renewed determination to represent their company in the best way possible.