Scope
Specify who the policy applies to (employees, contractors, interns) and when conduct is covered, including off-duty actions that affect the workplace.
A well-written Employee Behaviour Policy reduces ambiguity, supports fair treatment, and lowers legal and reputational risk by documenting expectations and corrective processes in a single reference.
Human resources, legal counsel, and senior managers typically draft and approve the policy; supervisors and employees use it day-to-day.
Ensure designated approvers sign and date the policy and distribute it to all staff with an acknowledgment mechanism.
Specify who the policy applies to (employees, contractors, interns) and when conduct is covered, including off-duty actions that affect the workplace.
Describe acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, anti-harassment rules, use of technology, social media guidance, and expectations for professional interactions.
Provide multiple reporting channels, anonymous options where allowed, timelines for reporting, and protections against retaliation to encourage compliance.
Outline investigation steps, who conducts them, confidentiality limits, evidence collection, and expected timeframes for resolution.
List possible corrective actions and termination criteria; explain progressive discipline, appeal rights, and documentation requirements for each step.
Include policy review frequency, amendment procedures, and the authority responsible for updates to ensure ongoing legal and operational alignment.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Reviewers | Sequential approval by HR then legal |
| Signature Type | E-signature with audit trail |
| Authentication | Email or SMS code for signers |
| Storage | Encrypted archive with retention tags |
Use an eSignature platform that provides tamper-evident signed documents, an audit trail, and secure storage for acknowledgments.
Ensure the chosen system supports ESIGN/UETA compliance, retention controls, and role-based access to meet legal and privacy requirements.
Define and publish the date obligations begin
Require signed acknowledgment within 30 days of distribution
Aim to complete investigations within 30–60 days
Review policy documentation at least once per year
Update policy promptly when laws or business needs change
Policy text approved by HR and leadership
Legal counsel confirms compliance with employment laws
Distribute and collect acknowledgments from staff
Store signed records and schedule the next review
After adopting a detailed behaviour policy and reporting hotline, staff reporting rates increased by design
The company integrated the policy into onboarding and required e-signed acknowledgments within the first 14 days
| 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 | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/yr | Varies | Varies | Varies |