Office Ethics

Ethics In The WorkPlace

• The application of moral principles, standards of behavior, or set of values regarding proper conduct in the workplace as individuals and in a group setting 
• Ethics allow you to distinguish the difference between right and wrong

The Essentials

Every company is different but they all should take the following into consideration:

• Trustworthiness 
• Respect 
• Responsibility 
• Fairness 
• Caring

Relationship and Ethics

• Ethics applies to any relationship between the following individuals:
• Management/Supervisors
• Colleagues/Employees 
• Customers 
• Communication is key among management, employees, and customers in order for respect to be extended to each person within the organization, and promote relationships that are based on honesty and integrity.
• Be cautious to cross the line between personal friendships in the workplace and professionalism.

Good Workplace Ethics

• Staying productive
• Be accountable for your actions 
• Take initiative 
• Think critically to be able to solve problems 
• Blowing the whistle 
• Be punctual 
• Stay positive 
• Stay professional 
• Take pride in your work 
• Immediately attempting to correct an issue 
• Set the example

How to Encourage Good Ethics in the Workplace 

• Fair consequences 
• Fair treatment 
• Recognition 
• Communication (be clear and consistent)
• Have office policies 
• Transparency 
• Trainings 
• Have plans of action
• Constructive feedback

Ways to make a phone call

Prepare

Take a moment to prepare before you pick up the phone. Write down the key points you need to cover during the conversation, as well as any questions you need to ask. This will also serve as an outline to help guide you through the call while maintaining control of the conversation. If possible, be close to a computer with Internet connection so that you can access your company's website or locate information quickly.

Identify Yourself

Always identify yourself to the party that answers the phone. To sound as professional as possible, give your first and last name as well as your title if applicable. If your call will be lengthy and you sense that the person you're calling is pressed for time or otherwise distracted, try to set a better time when you can call back.

Identify Purpose

You can exchange pleasantries, such as a brief "How are you today?," but don't get involved in an extended conversation about sports or the weather, as this can serve as a distraction from the purpose of your call. State the purpose politely and directly, such as, "I received your email this morning and I'm calling to follow up."

Take Time to Listen

While you may be intent on achieving the purpose of your call, be sure that you engage in a two-sided conversation. Give the other party time to respond to your points and ask any questions they may have. Be careful not to interrupt unless you discover that the other party is drifting from the topic at hand. If this occurs, interrupt politely by saying, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but another question just popped into my mind and I want to ask it before I forget."

Review Call

Before hanging up, review what was accomplished during the call with the other party and be sure you both agree on what should happen next. If additional communication is required, set up a specific day and time for a follow-up phone call or other method of communication such as email. Always part on a pleasant note, even if the end result of the call is that a business relationship won't occur or continue at present. You may want to revisit the relationship at some point in the future.