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Ethics are the principles we follow to ensure we do the right thing. They typically relate to moral behaviors, which means that acting unethically doesn’t always equal acting illegally.
However, that doesn’t mean business owners should act however they want to just because they’re working within the confines of the law. Acting ethically means putting your customers, employees, and society as a whole first. When you do, everyone benefits.
Knowing there can be reputational value in owning an ethical business, you might like to follow some of these essential ethical practices:
Prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
In recent years, business owners have been prioritizing inclusion in the workplace to improve their public image. However, DEI practices go beyond your reputation and image alone. There can be genuine benefits associated with inclusion in the workplace, such as:
- Increased employee engagement
- Increased productivity
- Reduced absenteeism
- Reduced turnover rates
- Improved customer service
- Improved problem-solving abilities
DEI practices and policies are crucial if you want to enjoy these benefits. Fortunately, business owners are in the driver’s seat when it comes to developing a more inclusive workplace. You can set measurable goals and hire external help to guide you on your journey.
Create a Code of Ethics
You can’t hope to create an ethical business if your team doesn’t know what ethics are. For this reason, it’s vital to include a code of ethics in your company policies.
A code of ethics defines your values and outlines your guidelines and practices for integrity, honesty, and professionalism. It can also include information on what happens if your employees violate the code.
While some businesses incorporate a code of ethics from a moral perspective, others are bound by law. The style you go for will depend on your industry and the governing bodies you’re answerable to.
Lead by Example
You can’t hope to foster an environment of ethical business practices if there’s one rule for some and entirely different rules for others. Lead by example by prioritizing ethics at the top. Employees can then understand what good behavior looks like and how to mirror it in their everyday work.
Be Transparent
Customers and employees don’t want to be lied to. They also don’t want PR spins to make it look like something negative you’re doing is, in fact, positive. Be honest, and your supporters will thank you for it. This might mean telling your customers you’re putting your prices up and explaining why. You might also address complicated business matters in the media before the rumor mill kicks into overdrive.
Emphasize Respect
Respect is a core value in any business. It’s about ensuring everyone within a business has a voice and support in expressing their ideas. Fostering a respectful work environment might seem challenging. However, it can be as easy as listening to clients and employees with an open mind, showing courtesy and kindness in everything you do, and monitoring your non-verbal communication. This means you’re paying attention to what you’re saying, your facial expressions, and your body language.
Explore Environmental Consciousness
Customers want to support businesses that support the environment. In fact, they might be less inclined to support companies that don’t. On your journey to becoming a more ethical business, explore ways you can reduce your negative impact on the environment.
There are a number of options worth investigating, such as reducing carbon emissions from your manufacturing processes, encouraging energy saving, and limiting waste production.
Being a more ethical business doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen with time and consistent effort. Take some of these ethical principles on board, and you should soon start reaping the rewards.
Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash