An organization’s culture is like its DNA—it defines who the company is and how it operates. The values, beliefs, and norms ingrained in the workforce shape the company’s identity and dictate its success.
A critical aspect of a strong company culture is compliance. While employees may know what they are expected to do and how to behave in certain situations, do they truly understand the why behind it? Compliance is more than just following rules and regulations—it is about upholding ethical and legal standards.
But who sets the tone for an organization’s culture of compliance? That responsibility falls on leaders. They have the power to shape the culture within their teams, and the employees closely watch their actions and behaviors.
So, what can leaders do to build a culture of compliance within their organizations? Let’s explore 7 key tips for leaders.
What is a Culture of Compliance?
A culture of compliance is when all employees, from the top to the bottom, follow a set of behaviors and principles that align with the company’s values, laws, and regulations. A company’s culture is built on a strong foundation of integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
A culture of compliance is a shared commitment to doing what is suitable for the company, even when no one is watching.
The impact of a strong culture of compliance extends beyond just internal operations – it also affects a company’s reputation and bottom line. Companies with a culture of compliance are more likely to attract and retain top talent, maintain customer trust, and avoid costly legal repercussions.
Role of Leaders in Building a Culture of Compliance
“A fish rots from the head down” is a famous proverb that holds for organizations as well.
The success or failure of a company’s culture ultimately rests on the shoulders of its leaders. They are the primary drivers of a company’s culture, and their actions have a ripple effect on the entire organization.
When leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to compliance, their teams are more likely to follow suit. They are responsible for setting the tone, promoting ethical behaviors and decision-making, and holding themselves accountable.
For instance, if a leader is transparent about their decision-making process and involves employees in discussions about ethical dilemmas, it sends a clear message that compliance is a priority. Leaders who lead by example will encourage employees to speak up about potential issues and make compliance a part of their daily routine.
7 Key Tips for Leaders to Build a Culture of Compliance
Let’s dive into key strategies to help leaders build a culture of compliance within their organizations.
1. Lead by Example
Leaders must walk the talk when it comes to compliance. They cannot expect their employees to follow rules and regulations if they do not do so themselves.
Leaders should demonstrate their commitment to compliance by following all the policies and procedures, even if it means going beyond what is legally required.
For example, if a company’s policy requires employees to report any potential conflicts of interest, leaders should do so themselves and proactively identify and address any conflicts within their team. The example set by leaders will not go unnoticed and will encourage employees to do the same.
A leader’s commitment to compliance should also be visible in their daily actions, such as adhering to proper data security protocols and maintaining confidentiality. Through their actions, leaders set the standard for compliance within their team and inspire others to do the same.
2. Set Clear and Realistic Expectations
You can not expect employees to comply with rules and regulations if they are unaware. Leaders must clearly communicate compliance expectations to their team from the start – during onboarding, regular training, and through open communication channels.
Employee expectations should be realistic and achievable, ensuring they feel confident in their ability to comply. Compliance becomes ingrained in the company culture when these expectations are part of the company’s values and are consistently reinforced by leaders.
The expectations should also align with the company’s mission and vision, emphasizing that compliance is not just a legal obligation but an essential aspect of the company’s success.
3. Invest in Training and Education
Compliance is not just one-time training; it is an ongoing process. As regulations and best practices evolve, employees must stay updated on any changes. Leaders should regularly invest in compliance training and education for employees to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to comply with regulations.
Leaders should also educate themselves on compliance laws and regulations to effectively guide their teams and make informed decisions. They can also serve as a resource for employees with questions or concerns about compliance.
Most importantly, training and education must emphasize the why behind compliance. When employees understand the reasons and consequences of non-compliance, they are more likely to follow through with the set expectations.
4. Engage the Team from the Start
A strong culture of compliance starts with hiring and onboarding. During onboarding, leaders should involve their team in discussions about the company’s core values, code of conduct, and compliance expectations.
Leaders can also engage employees by involving them in developing compliance policies and procedures. This ensures that policies are practical and relevant and fosters a sense of ownership among employees toward compliance.
5. Encourage Open Communication and Feedback
A safe and open environment for employees to voice their concerns is a top characteristic of success for a healthy compliance culture. Leaders should create a culture of psychological safety where employees feel comfortable speaking up about potential issues without fear of retaliation or judgment.
The communication channels should be easily accessible, and employees should be encouraged to ask questions or report potential compliance violations. This helps identify and address any issues promptly and demonstrates that compliance is a top priority for the company.
Leaders should also seek feedback from employees on their experiences with compliance. With a constant pulse on how employees perceive the company’s compliance culture, leaders can make necessary adjustments and continuously improve.
6. Establish Consequences for Non-Compliance
Tolerance for non-compliance sends a message that it is not a priority. Leaders must establish consequences for any violations of compliance policies and consistently enforce them, regardless of the employee’s position or tenure.
A non-negotiable stance on compliance demonstrates that leaders take it seriously and set a clear precedent for all employees. It also creates a sense of fairness among employees, knowing that the consequences will be the same for everyone.
The consequences should also align with the severity of the violation, ensuring that they are fair and proportional. A positive reinforcement system, such as rewards or recognition for employees who consistently comply, can also help reinforce the importance of compliance.
The ultimate goal is to create a culture where employees understand compliance is not optional and everyone is accountable for their actions.
7. Compliance Must be Integrated into All Aspects of the Company
Compliance should not just be a standalone function or department within the company; it should be integrated into all aspects of the organization.
From the top down, leaders should incorporate compliance into all decision-making processes and strategies. To ensure all external partners comply with regulations, compliance should also be considered in day-to-day operations, such as procurement and vendor management.
Additionally, leaders should regularly review and update compliance policies and procedures to keep up with any changes in regulations or internal practices. Integrating compliance into all aspects of the company ensures that it is not seen as a burden but an essential part of doing business.
What are the Challenges in Building a Culture of Compliance?
Building a culture of compliance is not without its challenges. Leaders may face:
Resistance to Change
Employees may resist changes in policies and procedures, especially if they have been with the company for a long time. They may view compliance as unnecessary or burdensome, and it can be challenging to change their mindset.
How to overcome?
Leaders must communicate the why behind compliance and how it benefits the company, its employees, and stakeholders. Involve your employees in the process and address any concerns they may have.
Lack of Resources
Compliance efforts require resources, including time, money, and personnel. Smaller companies or those with limited budgets may struggle to allocate enough resources towards compliance.
How to overcome?
Leaders can overcome this challenge by prioritizing compliance and making it a part of their budget and resource planning. They can also explore alternative options, such as outsourcing certain compliance functions or seeking partnerships with organizations with similar compliance objectives.
Complex Regulations
Compliance with regulations can be complicated, especially in highly regulated industries. Employees may struggle to understand the requirements, leading to non-compliance unintentionally.
How to overcome?
Leaders should invest in regular and comprehensive employee training on compliance regulations to overcome this challenge. They can also seek guidance from external compliance experts to ensure they thoroughly understand the rules and how to comply.
Employee Turnover
With turnover being typical in most companies, it can be challenging to maintain a consistent culture of compliance with new hires. Employees who leave may take their knowledge of compliance policies and procedures with them, creating gaps in the system.
How to overcome?
Leaders should prioritize ongoing employee training, ensuring compliance is ingrained in the company’s culture. They can also have a system to document and transfer knowledge from departing employees to new hires.
Do You Need Outside Help for Building a Culture of Compliance?
Building a culture of compliance is a continuous effort that requires commitment and resources from leaders. Some companies may struggle to do so independently and can benefit from seeking outside help.
External compliance experts can provide unbiased assessments of the company’s current compliance practices and help identify areas for improvement. They can also offer training and guidance on new regulations or best practices in compliance.
Platforms like Syncuppro provide professionals with access to a global network of compliance experts who can assist in building a culture of compliance. We aim to support organizations in creating an ethical and compliant workplace.