Integrity in the workplace: Building a strong culture

integrity-1080x720px-cLook up the word integrity in a reference publication, and you will likely encounter definitions such as “adherence to a moral code of conduct,” “having strong moral principles you refuse to violate,” and “soundness of character.”

Perhaps the easiest way to explain the concept is what you might say if a child asks. Integrity means doing the right thing, even when nobody’s watching.

Sounds like the type of person others want to work around, right? How workplace integrity affects company culture, individual reputation, and overall well-being.

Why integrity in the work environment matters

A person of integrity holds himself to high standards. With core values ingrained in the fabric of his being, he monitors his behavior and acts accordingly. This self-policing and commitment to ethical principles are godsends to employers.

Benefits companies stand to gain from employing people with integrity include:

  • Honesty

Simply put, those with a high level of integrity build trust. From not stealing a colleague’s yogurt from the fridge to never misleading a client to make a sale, the internal compass of those with strong ethical standards leads them the right way. Team members feel safer around such people, contributing to a positive work environment.

Employers can spend less time scrutinizing the actions of those who regularly show integrity. For example, with their strong work ethic, individuals with integrity go about their tasks even when the boss is not around.

They do not pad timesheets or sneak in extra expenses on reimbursement forms. They admit mistakes rather than trying to cover them up or blame someone else. Accountability, dependability, and productivity thrive.

  • Proactive behavior

Those who commit to the importance of integrity believe in open communication. They speak up when noticing wrongdoings. “See something, say something” is part of their ethical guidelines. They do not shirk responsibility.

Timely, honest communication contributes to a company’s long-term success. Employers can squash minor problems before they grow. Likewise, awareness of potentially serious misconduct may save the business from financial and legal hot water.

  • Reputation

People like to deal with reputable companies, whether they are customers, vendors, or job applicants. Employing workers with integrity contributes to a positive brand image.

Your organization becomes known for ethical conduct and fair treatment. Good interactions between your employees and others reflect well on the business.

Employees with integrity

People with integrity generally do not behave like they do to please others. Instead, ethical principles are part of their fiber. They step up to the plate, treat others right, and follow their conscience because they genuinely believe that is what they are supposed to do. Anything less feels strange and wrong.

Integrity may help a career, which is a bonus. Workers with integrity often gain the respect and trust of colleagues and supervisors because of their commitment to ethical behavior. These positives usually help them advance within a company.

People take what these team members say seriously because they know the words come from a genuine place. Their honesty and openness enhance their reputation.

Integrity in the workplace and leadership

Integrity in the workplace is essential at every level. However, those in charge must possess this quality.

Leaders set the tone for workplace culture. They act as role models, and others follow good or bad examples. Bosses look like hypocrites when they demand ethical conduct but fail to demonstrate it themselves.

What may happen when leaders fail to create a culture of integrity in the workplace? Possibilities include:

  • Decreased morale

Job satisfaction and employee engagement suffer when workers do not respect their leaders.

  • Increased rationalization for unethical behavior

Workers feel justified in similar misbehavior if those at the top lie, cheat, cook the books, discriminate, etc. Swiping office supplies or misleading customers to make a sale no longer seems entirely wrong.

  • Top talent quits

Management’s lack of integrity clashes with the core values employees of integrity hold dear. This conflict bothers these workers and often sets the stage for them to leave to find an employer with higher ethical standards.

  • Bad choices

Those in positions of power make many decisions that affect the company and its staff. Failure to make ethical decisions could ultimately lead to repercussions, from legal messes to reputational damage. Profits may decline, leading to layoffs or even permanent closure.

Six actions that encourage a culture of integrity in the workplace

As mentioned earlier, employees come to the work environment already possessing varying levels of integrity. That does not mean, however, that companies are powerless to boost integrity.

Here are six effective ways to raise integrity in your workplace:

1. Hire well

Do background checks to see if prospective applicants have past problems, such as stealing or bullying. If the results seem questionable, think twice.

Hypothetical ethical dilemmas were also posed during interviews, and responses were evaluated. For example, describe a scene where a colleague would benefit from bystander intervention. Does the applicant favor jumping in to help or looking the other way?

2. Make integrity part of your mission statement

State flat out that you are an organization that values integrity. Explain why and how such behavior contributes to company success and employee well-being.

3. Walk the walk

Remember that lip service is useless. Managers need to demonstrate the behaviors they wish to see in their charges. Likewise, do not pressure employees to compromise their integrity to boost profits or show their “loyalty” to the company.

4. Punish wrongdoings

Create strong company policies and follow through. Your organization should demonstrate that it values ethical behavior both within the office and in its outside dealings.

Clearly state in your employee handbook that dishonest behavior is unacceptable and not tolerated. Spell out disciplinary procedures. Issue consequences swiftly and consistently.

5. Make it more accessible to display integrity in the workplace

Yes, you hope people will do the right thing simply because they should. However, helping them make good decisions does not harm them.

Remove temptations such as easy access to petty cash and office supplies. Shred sensitive data. Give login credentials, passwords, and keys only to those who need them as part of their job. Provide new employees with non-disclosure agreements to sign.

Also, set up multiple anonymous outlets for workers to report unethical behavior, safety concerns, or anything that feels “wrong.” Doing so sends the message that you value people with integrity to come forward.

6. Reward integrity

Lastly, regularly praise people who do the right thing. Thank individuals for honesty, teamwork, and open communication. Showing that you notice promotes continuing these actions, and when others see that you value integrity, it may spur them to examine how they can improve.

Additional Resources:
Unethical workplace behavior: A guide in workplace ethics and integrity
Honesty at work: Why it’s important and what it looks like
Workplace etiquette: The ultimate guide to professionalism