Instead of a CYA legal requirement or behavior mandate, your Code of Conduct can be crafted as a decision guide for employees. If there’s an ethical conundrum about the actions of a coworker, supplier, or supervisor, they have a reference that clearly lays out the employee’s responsibility and next steps.
We took a client’s from blah and burdensome to creative and clear.
If you’re looking for additional insights, jump to our blog to learn how a Code of Conduct can be a real decision tool for employees.
Download Our Sample Code of Conduct

Why Rethink Your Document
Sure, a Code of Conduct includes information on topics like harassment, substance use, discrimination, and workplace safety… and perhaps a message from senior leadership. But it’s also a great place to reiterate your company values, mention charitable giving, encourage appropriate recognition of others, etc.
Like any employee communication, your Code of Conduct needs to be relatable and understandable if the goal is to offer direction or advice. Is your Code of Conduct designed to be engaging? Written in plain language? Does it reflect your company’s culture?
Related Content:
- Compliance documents don’t need to be dry and corporate. There’s a way to write these communications so they’re understandable… and useful to employees.
- Speaking of dry and corporate, when is the last time you updated your Employee Handbook? Find inspiration in our sample Employee Handbook that’s easy to read and understand.
- Review your SPD with this high-level checklist at hand and see how comprehensive and understandable it is.
- It can be challenging to make an SPD engaging, but you can sure make it more summary and less description. So employees can truly use it as a resource.
- How will you get your new Code of Conduct woven into the workplace? You can’t merely email it. Think outside your HR box to reach all employees.