Conduct, work related stress and positive working relationships

What is a workplace code of conduct?

A workplace code of conduct is a set of guidelines designed to outline acceptable behaviours and expectations for employees within an organisation. It helps ensure a respectful, productive and professional environment by providing clear standards for behaviour and decision-making.

Below are some of the facets of a code of conduct:

A code of conduct typically includes clauses on:

Respect for diversity and identity
No one can be unfairly discriminated against.

Appropriate dress
Most workplaces have guidelines about what to wear.

Social media use
Businesses are sensitive to how the public sees them. Employees can affect this perception by complaining about work on social media or displaying private photographs.

Confidentiality
A degree of secrecy is important to most businesses. They may lose money if a competitor learns what the business is doing.

A confidentiality clause will ask employees not to discuss business plans and processes during and after the term of the contract.

A workplace code of conduct is essential for promoting a respectful, ethical and productive work environment. It sets clear expectations for behaviour, helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts and ensures that everyone in the organisation is aware of their responsibilities and the standards they are expected to uphold.

How can positive working relationships be developed?

Infographic showing six ways to promote a positive workplace atmosphere: complying with code of conduct, following policies, on-the-job training, adhering to legislation, and sharing good practice.

A positive atmosphere can be promoted in the workplace by:

adhering to equality legislation
complying with the code of conduct and rules
following workplace policies
on-the-job staff training
sharing good practice

Equality legislation

An employer can promote a positive working environment by promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Employment laws in Northern Ireland (NI)

Employment laws in Northern Ireland aim to:

protect workers' rights
ensure fair treatment
create a safe and equitable working environment

These laws cover a broad range of issues, from minimum wage and working hours to anti-discrimination and health and safety. Employers and employees alike should be aware of these regulations to ensure compliance and address any issues that may arise in the workplace.

Some of the most important laws in the workplace to guarantee equality, diversity and inclusion are:

Equal Pay Act 1970 (UK): Ensures that people doing the same job must be paid equally, it helps prevent gender discrimination in wages, making sure everyone gets paid fairly for their work.

Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996: This key piece of legislation provides a range of employment rights, including protection against unfair dismissal, redundancy and protection of wages.

The Employment (Minimum Wage) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: Enforces the National Minimum Wage Act (1998) in Northern Ireland.

Anti-Discrimination Laws

Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003: Specifically addresses discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace.

Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 2003: This legislation makes it illegal to treat someone unfairly because of their race, colour, nationality or ethnic background; ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace.

Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006: Protects against age discrimination in employment.

Workplace policies

If followed, workplace policies relating to areas such as safeguarding, confidentiality and health and safety help to foster good positive working relationships between employees and employers.

If employees feel that their health and safety is a priority for their employers they will be more motivated, their job satisfaction will increase and they'll be less likely to be absent from work.

Training

On the job staff training can develop positive working relationships in a number of ways.

Learning from in-house specialists can help employees build confidence in their abilities and can increase their job satisfaction.
On the job staff training encourages collaboration within the workplace and helps promote teamwork and better working relationships with colleagues.
It fosters a culture of support and mentorship within the workplace which is positive for employees and employers.

Sharing good practice

Sharing good practice enables colleagues to learn from each other how they can best perform work tasks and ultimately their role in the organisation/company.

This form of communication along with creating opportunities for colleagues to network can help foster good teamwork, boost staff morale and build working relationships — helping to create a happy work environment.

What are the causes of work-related stress among employees?

Causes

Over 16 million days are lost per year as a result of work-related stress. Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work.

There are six main areas that can lead to work-related stress if they are not managed properly. These are: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.

For example, employees may feel that they: