Keep standards as specific as possible. Instead of “Be respectful,” specify that “Employees should not comment on physical appearance or make unwanted sexual advances of any kind. ” Consider also hiring a team or department that manages the ethics of the entire workplace, like an HR department. [3] X Expert Source Joe SimmonsCorporate Trainer Expert Interview. 29 June 2021.

For example, ensure that all employees know the safety standards for the products you manufacture and repair. However, set your standards beyond safety codes. If a product needs to be repaired, terminate or discipline employees if they overcharge for services by repairing parts that weren’t broken.

“Do as I say, not as I do,” and “They’re breaking the rules, so I can, too,” mentalities can lead to a toxic company culture. If the head of sales fudges numbers and misleads customers to exceed quotas, your entire sales team will follow their example. The resulting company-wide ethics breakdown is a lot more difficult to handle than individual cases of misconduct.

For example, ask industry-specific interview questions such as, “Is it more important to meet a deadline or to ensure a product exceeds safety standards?” or “What would you do if you knew a coworker took bribes?”

For example, present specific examples of sexual harassment, hostile behavior, fraud, and other unethical conduct. Look online for newspaper articles or other accounts of actual misconduct. Analyze these case studies with employees during training. Ask them to identify why particular actions were unethical and how violators could have handled the scenario differently.

Don’t base performance evaluations on raw numbers. Factor in their contribution to morale, work ethic, client relations, and other less tangible criteria.

For instance, make it clear that any employee caught stealing will be automatically terminated.

Whether an employee is the victim of sexual assault or witnesses unethical business practices, they need to know that they can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. Make sure that all employees can comfortably voice their ethical concerns, regardless of their rank. [18] X Expert Source Joe SimmonsCorporate Trainer Expert Interview. 29 June 2021.

Consistent disciplinary measures go hand in hand with rewarding ethical behavior. Both are required in order to enforce the company’s ethical standards.