A message from the CEO of HR Works, winner of the 2005 Rochester Business Ethics Award
On behalf of all HR Works employees, clients and vendors, I am honored to accept this prestigious award. I thank all of those who partner with us to uphold ethical standards, not only at HR Works but also in their own organizations.
There’s never been a better time to look closely at what it takes to run an organization in an ethical fashion. While headlines about deception and greed in American business may suggest that ethical behavior has been reduced to a quaint, feel-good notion, HR Works is fortunate to work with many companies that take a serious approach to functioning with integrity.
At HR Works, we believe that ethical behavior is not only about what we do, but about how we do it. Ethical functioning requires more than a mere signing or posting of codes of conduct or mission statements, or even holding fast to a sincere desire to do the right thing. Behaving in consistently ethical ways depends on the leader’s commitment and modeling, developing a knowledge base of best practices, and ensuring that every member of the organization possesses the skills and understanding needed to uphold rigorous standards, no matter what the circumstance.
Many say that HR is the conscience of an organization. Because of HR Works’ unique role in managing the human resource function for clients, we enjoy the opportunity to observe how a company’s internal functioning impacts its visible success. When we see our clients making tough decisions that demonstrate their commitment to strong values, we gain valuable insight into what it means to conduct ethical business.
At the same time, we’re able to model our own ethical principles in all our interactions. The HR Works Code of Ethics outlines performance standards for our employees, to ensure that all dealings are clear and above reproach. Maintaining these work principles allows us to properly serve our fellow employees, clients and suppliers, and the community.
We give special thanks to all of those who have made the Rochester Business Ethics Award possible. Shedding the spotlight on ethics provides inspiration and guidance for many, and illustrates the important link between strong values and the long-term rewards of business.
