The modern code of conduct has evolved significantly over the past 20 years. Once written as dense rule books, today’s best codes are visually engaging, readable, and designed to help employees make ethical decisions.
An effective code of conduct provides a behavioral framework for individuals, teams, and leaders across geographies and levels. The best programs also leverage digital tools and interactive technology for easier access, stronger engagement, and just-in-time guidance when employees face ethical gray areas.
Code of conduct training teaches employees about your organization’s ethical and legal expectations and helps them understand how to apply those standards in real situations. This training reduces the risk of policy violations and helps maintain a respectful, compliant workplace.
At its core, code of conduct training helps employees, understand what’s included in your company’s code, apply the code to their day-to-day work, recognize and prevent misconduct, and know the consequences of noncompliance.
This training is essential for shaping ethical culture—not just writing about it.
Having a code is not enough. Employees must know how to live it. Code of conduct training reinforces company values, teaches decision-making in grey areas, and helps prevent violations before they occur.
It also supports compliance with U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) guidelines, which emphasize that organizations should actively educate employees on how their code applies to their roles. Accessible, relevant training can even reduce potential fines and penalties for violations.
Ultimately, code of conduct training helps employees represent your organization with fairness, honesty, and respect—making compliance not just a requirement, but part of your culture.
Every employee should complete code of conduct training—including managers, executives, contractors, and contingent workers. Senior leaders must model the behaviors they expect from others, reinforcing integrity at every level.
Your organization may also extend training to investors, vendors, and board members—anyone whose actions reflect your company’s ethical reputation. Public companies (NASDAQ, NYSE) and government contractors are legally required to provide this training.
LRN’s 2025 Code of Conduct Report shows that while companies are making progress – offering more digital, multilingual, and user-friendly codes – most are still failing to address critical emerging risks like artificial intelligence. The report also uncovers a persistent middle-management disconnect in communication and highlights how hybrid work is boosting employee engagement with codes, underscoring the need for organizations to make their codes living guides for daily ethical decision-making.
