We are familiar with the scandals such as Enron, Wells Fargo, and even Uber. When ethical scandals occur, we shake our heads and question how they could go unnoticed for so long. Workplace ethics are about how your company defines its values. Unfortunately, unethical behavior takes a toll on organizations by damaging their reputations and harming employee morale.
Ethics start at the individual level. Ethics are your moral compass helping you make decisions. Do you arrive to work late and leave early? Do you take longer lunch breaks? Do you justify actions? Not all decisions are right and wrong. Some ethical dilemmas arise when you have to choose between two good choices.
Organizational ethics are the principles and standards by which businesses operate. Corporate ethics are demonstrated through acts of honesty, fairness, integrity, responsibility, and compassion. Our ethical decisions define our character, and our reputation depends on honesty.
Creating an ethical culture requires clear values exemplified and practiced at all levels of the organization.
Characteristics of strong employee work ethics:
- Punctuality:
- Completing projects on time, showing up to work early and following break-time rules (not taking extended lunches or breaks).
- An ethical person shows up to work early. For example, when I worked in the banking industry, our shift started at 8 am. However, in order to unlock the vault, get the cash drawer, be logged in and ready to help customers an employee needed to arrive at least fifteen minutes early,
- For example, I had an employee who showed up at least 5 minutes late every day, and when they arrived at work, they spent the first 30 – 45 minutes talking to coworkers. Building friendships with coworkers is essential. However, employees are unethical when they waste time for the first 45 minutes of the work day before they get down to work. Not being honest in your commitment to start your work day on time will affect your character.
- Accountability:
- Take responsibility for ongoing projects and take the blame for errors when necessary. An unethical person will cast the blame on everyone else.
- Focus + Dedication = Productivity:
- Remain focused on accomplishing projects on time. Avoid distractions such as office chatter, social media, and technology.
- It can be very distracting for those around you when one or more coworkers are not focused on their work. For some industries, a lack of focus can be dangerous. We all have an off day that is challenging to remain focused. When you need a mental break, take a short walk, clear your head then get back to the task at hand. I worked with a person that was quite loud. They made idle conversation all day, often playing their music loud and singing along. This coworker gave no thought to how their actions affected the concentration of those around them.
- Initiative:
- Employees that are focused and want to do their best take the initiative to do tasks before they are asked. When employees understand the “Why” of the organization, they do things for the betterment of the organization.
- Professionalism:
- Employees are present in their work culture. They show up on time, take their work seriously, respect others, avoid using foul language in the workplace, and dress appropriately.
- Desire to improve:
- Employees who embrace feedback and learning moments show they are willing to grow in their careers.
Advantages of organizational ethics in the workplace
- Enhances brand image
- Increased productivity
- Encourages teamwork (employees feel valued)
- Increased employee morale.
- Positive impact on communities
- Offers growth and development for employees
Leaders set the example. You want others to know you as an ethical individual and organization. The choice you make will build or destroy your credibility. Making the right choice and standing strong should not be a challenge. It should be a part of your nature. You have the power to influence others and continue to make good and ethical choices in all your interactions.