So, you’ve just finished your in-person or online compliance training program with all your employees. Now what? Well, it’s not over yet, as you and your compliance officers need to ensure that what everyone learned will be applied to their daily work activities.
It’s crucial to put in the time and effort to ensure compliance in the workplace for the long term. That way, you achieve a safer workplace with fewer risks of hefty penalties and reputational damage from non-compliance. With that in mind, let’s look at how you can maintain compliance for the long term.
- Document rules to follow
The first step to achieving workplace compliance is ensuring everyone is aware of and understands the policies and procedures. It’s vital to document your company rules in the employee handbook, given to every employee for them to review.
That way, everyone has an official document to review their obligations and rights. Furthermore, you give them a compliance tool in case of any violations. Ensure that you keep updated with the policies and rules from business trends and new federal laws. Update the handbook to tweak or add rules, letting employees know about the change.
Besides documenting the rules, ensure that these rules are consistently applied. Everyone from top to bottom must follow these rules, and there shall be no special treatment. By doing that, your employees will be more inclined to follow the rules, knowing everyone is accountable.
- Have a more positive approach
For a positive culture of compliance, focus more on what you want and expect employees to do rather than tell them what they shouldn’t do. That “anti” approach is similar to hearing someone say “no, no, no” over and over again. At one point, you’ll just stop listening to those big fat no’s!
We recommend encouraging proper behaviors educating employees on why those are the best approaches. For example, if you have safety rules, create policies on what everyone should do and explain why you set such rules.
Besides adopting a positive approach, also keep employees engaged with positive reinforcement. Keep the communication lines open for employees who wish to discuss workplace compliance.
- Invest in training
When you have policies in place, you shouldn’t only communicate them with employees. It’s essential to conduct compliance training programs if you haven’t yet. Appropriate training will reinforce compliance policies and procedures, making employees less likely to commit mistakes.
Here are some of the compliance subject matters the training program should include:
- Anti-harassment and bullying
- Diversity
- Cybersecurity
- Safety and health policies, procedures, and goals
- How to report violations, injuries, illnesses, accidents, hazards, and the like
- What to do during an emergency
Remember, training isn’t a one-time event. Like updating the employee handbook, make sure you have an ongoing training program. Employees remain aware of the new company policies and procedures through an effective and consistent program.
Wrapping It Up
Keep these tips in mind and stay updated with your industry’s compliance requirements for your company to continue growing!