Thursday 23 January 2014

What Is Code Of Conduct And What Does It Mean For Your Small Business?

By Franklin Skribbit


Diversity in the workplace is like going to a buffet - much better than a constant diet of porridge. Diversity offers choices and appeals to multiple audiences. Expansion and success tend to be at the top of every company's to-do lists and diversity is an important step to getting there. Just like a person can survive on an unchanging diet of porridge, a company can get the basic job done with a non-diverse workforce. However, if a person wants to grow in strength, health, and happiness, multiple nutrients, textures, and tastes are required. The same goes for a company. Especially as the world gets smaller and more companies are going global, diversity is the nourishment that will give a company the strength and support it needs to thrive.

Within this company, also, ethics were not spelled out or even acknowledged, and no policies existed. This kind of company might seem like fun at first glance, but these same employees would probably not be able to understand the needs of the company because they were not explicitly stated.

Observation is one of the key strategies to stop violence before it happens. Noticing changes in behavior, attitude, mood, and speech can be telling indicators of how an employee or client is feeling. If an employee begins snapping out, yelling, punching walls, or talking violently, there is a good chance that that person may resort to violence soon. Other common changes in behavior that precede violence include excessive drinking, verbal approval of other violent actions, decline in personal hygiene, and stress about family or financial situations. If an employee or client begins acting in such a way, it is important to get them help.

Why do you want diversity?

Also, like the constitution, a code of conduct should be supported and evaluated based on the needs of the people it represents. As company needs and purposes change, the code of conduct may also change, though the general framework of the code will most likely remain the same.

Counter to popular belief, most workplace violence is a result of an outsider - not an employee or client. Most violence results from an outsider trying to steal something. The risk of someone coming into your workplace, armed and violent can be decreased by extra security measures. Key-card doors and security guards can go a long way in securing an area from unwanted visitors. Technical updates like security cameras, well-lit parking lots, and emergency alarms are also excellent ways to protect your workplace. Although these measures are more helpful in the event of a violent incident, they can also act as deterrents. The easier the target, the better. So make your workplace a target that's not so easy to break into.

Finally, in a global market, companies that have made an effort to diversify their workforce are more widely respected. Foreign clients or markets will feel more comfortable entrusting their business to a company that has proven its ability to accept and handle diversity because companies that are diverse are more likely to understand and respect the client's thoughts, opinions, goals, and ideas.

Having clearly explained roles and expectations can help a company function smoothly and efficiently. Employees can be more productive if they understand what is expected of them, and are kept informed on company policies. These employees also will be able to understand the importance of their role within the company, and their ability to fulfill those roles.

Another helpful practice is to conduct background checks or screenings for every new employee and annual updates on current ones. While some may find this invasive, certain companies would be considered very irresponsible if they were to entrust access to their company's facilities and information to just anybody.

Open communication and respect for different perspectives are two must-haves for diverse companies. Finally, efforts must be made to reach commonalities. Whether this is accomplished through company goals, a company culture, or even company parties, peoples of different backgrounds need to find a sense of belonging together. If this can be accomplished, the full potential of a diverse company can truly blossom.




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