Employee Code of Conduct¶

Policy Status: "Draft"

This policy is currently "draft".

Policy ID: HR-007 Version: 1.0 Status: Draft Effective Date: January 15, 2025 Last Reviewed: January 9, 2025

Purpose¶

This policy establishes standards of conduct and professional behavior expected of all Acme Corp employees.

Scope¶

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and temporary staff.

Core Values & Expected Behavior¶

All employees are expected to: - Treat others with respect and dignity - Act with honesty and integrity - Follow all company policies and procedures - Comply with all applicable laws and regulations - Protect company assets and information - Avoid conflicts of interest - Report violations or concerns

Professional Standards¶

Respectful Communication¶

Use professional tone and language
Listen actively and considerately
Provide constructive feedback
Avoid gossip and rumors

Teamwork & Cooperation¶

Collaborate effectively with colleagues
Support team goals and initiatives
Share knowledge and resources
Accept direction and feedback gracefully

Accountability¶

Meet deadlines and commitments
Take responsibility for actions
Admit and learn from mistakes
Follow through on responsibilities

Professional Appearance¶

Maintain appropriate appearance for role
Follow dress code guidelines
Present professional image to clients and visitors

Attendance & Punctuality¶

Requirements¶

Report to work as scheduled
Arrive on time and ready to work
Return from breaks and lunch on time
Work scheduled hours unless approved absence

Absences¶

Notify supervisor before scheduled shift start
Provide notice for planned absences
Follow proper procedures for requesting time off

Tardiness¶

Arriving late without notice is unacceptable
Excessive tardiness subject to disciplinary action
Pattern of [3] late arrivals in [30] days = counseling

Prohibited Conduct¶

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination:

Workplace Violence¶

Physical altercations or assaults
Threats of violence (verbal or written)
Intimidating or threatening behavior
Weapons on company property (unless authorized)
Destroying company property

Harassment & Discrimination¶

Harassment based on protected characteristics
Sexual harassment
Bullying or intimidation
Creating hostile work environment (See HR-004: Anti-Harassment Policy)

Dishonesty & Theft¶

Theft of company or employee property
Falsifying records or documents
Timecard fraud
Expense report fraud
Dishonesty in communications

Substance Abuse¶

Use, possession, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work
Unauthorized use of prescription medications

Insubordination¶

Refusal to follow lawful directives
Disrespectful behavior toward supervisors
Undermining management authority

Confidentiality Breaches¶

Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information
Sharing trade secrets
Violating customer/employee privacy (See PRIV-001: Data Privacy Policy)

Misuse of Company Resources¶

Inappropriate use of company technology
Excessive personal use of work time
Unauthorized use of company property (See SEC-001: Acceptable Use Policy)

Conflicts of Interest¶

Outside employment competing with company
Financial interest in competitors/suppliers
Hiring/supervising relatives without disclosure
Accepting inappropriate gifts from vendors

You may use personal social media, but: - Do not identify as Acme Corp employee without disclaimer - Do not post confidential company information - Do not disparage company, customers, or coworkers - Do not harass or discriminate against others

Only authorized employees may post on behalf of company
Follow brand guidelines and approval processes

Media Inquiries¶

Direct all media inquiries to marketing@acmecorp.com
Do not speak to press/media without authorization

Workplace Relationships¶

Romantic Relationships¶

Relationships between employees at same level: Permitted
Relationships involving supervisor/subordinate: Must be disclosed to HR
Disclosure helps prevent conflicts of interest and favoritism
May require transfer or reporting relationship change

Nepotism¶

Hiring relatives permitted with disclosure
Relatives cannot have direct reporting relationship
Relatives cannot supervise each other or influence employment decisions

Compliance & Legal Obligations¶

Employees must: - Comply with all applicable laws and regulations - Complete required compliance training - Report legal or ethical concerns - Cooperate with investigations - Never destroy or alter records subject to legal hold

Reporting Violations¶

How to Report¶

If you witness or suspect policy violations: 1. Talk to your supervisor (if comfortable) 2. Contact Human Resources: hr@acmecorp.com 3. Use anonymous reporting hotline: (555) 123-4567 4. Report through online portal: https://support.acmecorp.com

Non-Retaliation¶

You will not face retaliation for: - Reporting good-faith concerns - Participating in investigations - Exercising legal rights

Retaliation is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Action¶

Acme Corp uses progressive discipline but reserves the right to skip steps or terminate immediately for serious violations.

Progressive Discipline¶

Verbal Warning
Written Warning
Suspension or Final Warning
Termination

Immediate Termination Offenses¶

Violence or threats of violence
Theft or fraud
Harassment or discrimination
Illegal drug use or distribution
Gross insubordination
Falsifying records
Serious safety violations
Breach of confidentiality

Acknowledgment¶

All employees must read and acknowledge this Code of Conduct: - Upon hire - Annually thereafter - When policy is updated

Questions¶

For questions about this policy: - Contact your manager - Contact HR: hr@acmecorp.com - Review Employee Handbook

Revision History¶

Version	Date	Author	Description
1.0	2025-01-09	HR Team	Initial draft policy

Policy Owner: HR Team Contact: hr@acmecorp.com