EZ37 Solutions Opinion Page: Workplace Integrity

Integrity in the workplace is imperative for a healthy working environment.

It doesn’t matter if you occupy the lowest position in the organisation or if you are the C.E.O, the fact is hiring with workplace integrity will make a huge difference. Not only to your long-term professional development, it will also enhance the overall culture of the organisation. It has a ripple effect.

So, what is integrity?

Find below a couple of examples.

Acting With Integrity	Not Acting With Integrity
Following the rules and regulations of the company	The time you are meant to be at work means getting to work and working. A number of employees get to work on time and spend the first hour having breakfast, meanwhile there is a time earmarked for that. Also, a number of employees spend time chatting away on issues not related to work.
Separating company time from personal time	Business is all about quality output and not about the amount of hours an employee spends behind the desk or spends staying in the office. Some employees use company time for their personal business, surf the internet, or update their CV etc. That is not acting with integrity
Understanding that company resources are not your personal resources	Some employees use company resources; gadgets, stationeries, airtime, equipment and lots more for personal engagements. Such acts are unprofessional and depicts lack of integrity.

Kindly note:

1. Workplace integrity starts with honesty, decency and trustworthiness. You must follow through with your word. Being impeachable and honourable with your actions creates respect and professionalism

If you say you are a professional, you should act with professionalism and demonstrate integrity in your actions at work

2. There are several reasons an employee may or may not enjoy their job, but the bottom line is that , if you choose to stay where you are, you might as well lift your game and act with integrity

Ask yourself:

· What kind of boss or employee am I?

· Am I setting up good example for my team, staff and colleagues?

In most workplace, the people that complain and winge the most are those that are the least productive and add the least value to the organisation.

In summary workplace integrity is about,

1. Being truthful: say what you mean and mean what you say. It may be hard as it takes making some personal sacrifices. However, stand for something. If you say one thing to colleague A and a different version to colleague B, you will lose confidence and trust with people. IF YOU DON’T STAND FOR SOMETHING, YOU WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING.

2. Honouring your workplace environment. Don’t steal time from your employers.

3. Confidentiality: keep workplace information to yourself. For example, client information etc.

4. Being dedicated to work and following the rules and regulations of the company.

Finally, upholding integrity in the workplace translates to better productivity for the individuals and for the organisation as a whole.

Adaora Ayoade

MD/CEO

EZ37 Solutions

…consistently adding value