A code of conduct sets out the social, ethical and behavioural norms of an organisation. These policies will often set out the expected tone and culture of a workplace, with guiding principles on appropriate behaviour that can range from how an employee is expected to interact with a customer, to how an employee is expected to effectively use the resources of the workplace.
While codes of conduct can be quite general, they can provide the scope to expand policies and procedures consistently and effectively according to company values.
It is essential that employees and employers from all workplaces follow their organisations code of conduct. As an employer it is vital to ensure that the organisation’s code of conduct is consistent with its policies and procedures.
Importance of a Code of Conduct in the rise of technology
The importance of a Code of Conduct was recently affirmed in the High Court case of Comcare v Banerji [2019] HCA 23. In that matter, the High Court found that a public servant, who was publishing anonymous comments in an online forum was sufficient grounds to terminate their contract of employment. The comments were published using an anonymous twitter account, and was found to be in breach of the Government Department’s Code of Conduct.
Accordingly, all employers should look very closely at drafting a Code of Conduct that governs the behaviour of employee’s both in the workplace and online.
Contact JFM Law
If you need help drafting or formulating a code of conduct consistent with your organisation’s workplace policies and procedures, JFM Law will be more than happy to do that for you. Contact JFM Law on (02) 9199 8597 for a no obligation chat. If you would rather get in contact through email, send your question through or by email at wehelp@jfmlaw.com.au.
The information contained in this post is current at the date of editing – 8 April 2024.
