Code of Conduct Training Outline
Module 1: Understanding Professional Standards
- Protecting employees, customers, and the organization
- Legal compliance vs. ethical behavior expectations
- Personal reputation and career impact
- Creating a workplace where everyone can succeed
Your Role and Responsibilities
- Individual accountability for professional behavior
- When you represent the company (and when you don't)
- Reporting obligations and speaking up about problems
- Leading by example regardless of your position
Module 2: Workplace Behavior and Respect
Professional Interactions
- Treating colleagues, customers, and vendors with respect
- Communication standards for in-person and digital interactions
- Appropriate workplace relationships and boundaries
- Managing conflicts and disagreements professionally
Harassment and Discrimination Prevention
- Understanding what constitutes harassment and discrimination
- Creating an inclusive environment for everyone
- Bystander intervention when you witness inappropriate behavior
- Reporting processes and supporting colleagues
Workplace Safety and Well-being
- Physical safety responsibilities and reporting hazards
- Mental health awareness and supporting struggling colleagues
- Substance abuse policies and getting help when needed
- Violence prevention and threat assessment
Module 3: Business Integrity and Ethics
Honest Business Practices
- Accurate reporting and documentation standards
- Truth in advertising and customer communications
- Fair competition and market practices
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
Financial Responsibility
- Expense account integrity and company resource use
- Accurate timekeeping and billing practices
- Protecting company assets and preventing theft
- Anti-bribery and gift policies
Confidentiality and Information Security
- Protecting sensitive company and customer information
- Social media guidelines and public communications
- Data privacy and cybersecurity responsibilities
- Intellectual property protection
Module 4: Compliance and Legal Requirements
Industry-Specific Regulations
- Understanding regulations that apply to your role
- Record keeping and documentation requirements
- Customer protection and fair dealing standards
- Environmental and safety compliance obligations
Reporting and Investigation Processes
- When and how to report violations or concerns
- Investigation procedures and cooperation expectations
- Protection for whistleblowers and good faith reporting
- Consequences for violations and corrective actions
Module 5: Decision-Making and Difficult Situations
Ethical Decision-Making Framework
- Questions to ask when facing ethical dilemmas
- Getting guidance when you're unsure about policies
- Balancing competing interests and pressures
- Documenting decisions and rationale
Common Workplace Scenarios
- Handling pressure to cut corners or bend rules
- Dealing with inappropriate requests from supervisors
- Managing personal relationships that affect work
- Responding to customer demands that violate policies
Building an Ethical Culture
- Encouraging others to follow the code of conduct
- Addressing problems before they escalate
- Supporting colleagues who face ethical challenges
- Continuous improvement and policy feedback
Hands-On Components:
- Scenario-based discussions and decision-making exercises
- Role-playing difficult workplace situations
- Policy interpretation and application practice
- Reporting process walkthroughs
Assessment & Progress:
- Code of conduct knowledge testing
- Scenario-based ethical reasoning assessments
- Understanding of reporting procedures
- Commitment to upholding standards
What You'll Walk Away With:
- Clear understanding of expected behavior standards
- Confidence to make ethical decisions under pressure
- Knowledge of resources and support available
- Skills to contribute to a positive workplace culture
- Framework for handling ethical dilemmas
Industry-Specific Applications:
- Healthcare privacy and patient rights
- Financial services fiduciary responsibilities
- Government contracting and procurement ethics
- Technology and data protection requirements
Resource Library:
- Quick reference guides for common situations
- Contact information for reporting and guidance
- Policy summaries and key requirements
- Decision-making flowcharts and tools
Common Conduct Challenges:
- Pressure from supervisors to violate policies
- Personal relationships affecting professional judgment
- Customer demands that conflict with company standards
- Witnessing misconduct by colleagues or superiors
- Balancing loyalty with ethical obligations
Note: Required training for all employees. Focus on practical application and real workplace scenarios. Includes both prevention strategies and response procedures for conduct violations. Regularly updated to reflect legal and policy changes.