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Employees Require Code Of Ethics, As Well
July 30, 2007

I have blogged on the topic of ethics between stores, sales reps, manufacturers, etc in the past.  I believe it is equally important, though, to focus on the code of ethics for your employees.  We have had times when sales associates in our store have been chatty, gossipy, or down-right mean to one another.  In an article on MSN titled "Put it in writing: Your business has ethics" Jeff Wuorio states, "Not only does a code of ethics put your business in a positive light... but it just makes sense to specifically identify to customers and employees what behavior is appropriate and what's not."

We had to address the issue of gossiping in our store not too long ago.  In addition to "laying down the law" with what we will not tollerate, we developed a "comment box".  This has helped employees direct issues (either with each other or with management) to the proper outlet.  Before this was available in our store, employees would file their complaints with inappropriate parties (i.e.: each other!).  

When members of management establish a code of ethics to which they adhere, they set the stage for an ethical work force.  I would like to encourage all of you to not only write the law but abide by it.  Show your employees the type of respect that you expect from them.  Work with them to develop the specific code of ethics that best suits your company's needs.  Our staff has reaped great benefit from this type of management and I'm sure that yours will, too!

Posted by Kelly Nelson on July 30, 2007 | Comments (0)