Encouraging compliance

GIVING employees the permission to query directives, even those from senior leaders, can enhance compliance across your organisation, particularly when it comes to a travel policy.

Employees can easily find themselves in the situation where, eager to impress, they may hesitate to ask for guidance or decline to question an approach.

But what happens if this hesitance causes the employee to make a mistake?

Ultimately, the issue will be brought to light, creating embarrassment, and potential disciplinary actions, for both the employee and his or her manager.

The question is how to stop this from happening?

New technology will continue to make it easier for employees to follow rules and comply with various policies.

But, clear communication across the organisation, combined with individual accountability, remains of utmost importance.

To achieve this, companies should ensure that all employees, no matter what seniority, own their individual accountability.

Encourage employees to raise questions and challenge new approaches.

Senior management also must champion the importance of compliance; Tone at the Top is critical.

One way to do this is to include Compliance as a regular agenda item at leadership meetings.

It is also a very good idea to establish a reporting hotline or a whistle-blower process, where employees can raise concerns without having to worry about any repercussions.

Finally, as a senior manager, hold yourself accountable. If you have a question about your company’s internal policies, such as your travel policy, familiarise yourself with requirements, or speak to someone who can help.

One good thing about encouraging workplace communication, is that compliance is just one of many areas that will improve in your work environment.

Start the process now and reap the rewards in the future.

“Include compliance with as a regular agenda item at leadership meetings… “