Scope
Define who and which activities the Code applies to, including contractors, interns, and remote workers.
A well-drafted Code reduces ambiguity, promotes consistent enforcement, and helps limit legal exposure by documenting policies and procedures. Clear expectations support workplace culture and make investigations and disciplinary decisions more defensible under federal and state employment laws.
Employees sign to acknowledge receipt and understanding; copies are retained in personnel files for compliance and recordkeeping.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer order | Single-step employee sign, optional manager countersign |
| Authentication | Email link with optional SMS code or SSO |
| Reminders | Automated reminders after configurable days |
| Storage | Save PDF to HR folder and record audit trail |
Ensure the chosen platform includes TLS encryption in transit, AES-256 at rest, and the ability to retain an unalterable audit trail for legal defensibility.
Define who and which activities the Code applies to, including contractors, interns, and remote workers.
Detail expectations around harassment, discrimination, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and respectful workplace behaviors.
Provide multiple reporting channels, confidentiality assurances, and non-retaliation language for complainants.
Outline how incidents are investigated, timelines for response, and who conducts impartial reviews.
Explain progressive discipline, potential sanctions, and conditions for termination where applicable.
Include a signature block and version tracking so employees confirm receipt and understanding.
Issue at hire or during onboarding; best practice is within the first week of employment
Require signed acknowledgment within 7–30 days of distribution depending on risk profile
Consider yearly re-acknowledgment to capture policy updates and retraining
Aim to acknowledge receipt of complaints within 48–72 hours and resolve investigations promptly
Notify employees of material changes and provide new acknowledgment within 30 days
The clinic standardized patient-facing conduct rules to protect confidentiality and coordinated staff training on privacy.
A property management firm integrated a Code into onboarding to clarify onsite behavior and vendor interactions.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |