Organisations require a code of conduct to maintain and encourage appropriate workplace behaviour. It is the manifestation of the values, culture, and vision of the organisation and reflects how it wants to be perceived. A code of conduct is a vital document used by employers to establish behavioural standards for all employees. It iterates acceptable behaviour in the workplace.
Antony Alex, Founder & CEO of Rainmaker, moderated the panel discussion on the Theme: Code of Conduct: ‘The New World’ Mandate. The panel included:
Abbas Jalis Rizvi, Head- Workforce Planning & Analytics at Ericsson;
Bhargavi Taunk, Human Resources at Arvind Fashion;
Sujata Nabar, Corporate Ethics at Tech Mahindra;
Dheeraj Dheer, Director- Workforce Planning & Head of Compliance; IR & ER at Dealshare.
The panellists, during the discussion, shared their perspective on the purpose of a CoC, what it should include, and the objective and need for the same in the current corporate scenario. In addition, the discussion focused on confronting existing workplace challenges such as moonlighting or dual employment. Another corporate quandary debated was whether the length of a CoC is a valid qualitative factor in determining efficacy and effective implementation.
While deliberating on the scope and importance of CoC, the panellists defined it as a two-way interaction between the employees and their employer, outlining their perceptions and expectations. The panellists suggested it to be a “Document for Talent Attraction” since it embodies the company’s moral, cultural, and ethical standpoint, and it provides insight into the company’s vision, on the basis of which the employees choose to perceive and represent the organisation. CoC explains to the world at large what the company is all about. CoC can be a video, a module, a quiz, an interactive tool like a chatbot, etc. While each company has a unique CoC that incorporates its distinct values and ethics, they share a similar core, which is its performance as a guiding principle in the face of ethical dilemmas.
Furthermore, the panellists were of the view that the CoC helps guide and safeguards the rights of employees, including their privacy, personal data, etc. However, it has to be flexible, comprehensive yet precise, and detailed yet exciting, so that it is understandable to the employees when they attach their signatures to the declaration. Additionally, a CoC must outline the legal framework of the organisation and portray its aspirational aspect.
Apart from developing a trusted and more lasting relationship with employees, a CoC is also the baseline document for raising capital. In India, not only listed but also non-listed companies highlight their ethical practices, company culture, and values in an exhaustive CoC.
16 окт 2024
