Workplace Issues

Some workplace issues are "black and white". It is clear what is right or wrong. You should give your employer an honest day's work. You should not lie to supervisors, co-workers or customers. You should not cheat or steal. You should not sexually harass or molest co-workers.

Other workplace issues fall into "grey areas" and are not so easy to categorise. How hard should you work? Should you aim for maximum productivity or work only as much as the next person? What if your boss tells you to lie to a client? Are you lying, too, or merely following orders? Should you report on unprofessional activities of a co-worker or go along to get along? How much should you modify your behaviour to get ahead?

When making a tough decision at work, you should ask yourself these questions:

• Which decision is legal or in compliance with company rules, policies and procedures?
• Which decision is fair to all rather than benefiting one group or person over another?
• Which decision makes me feel good about myself?

The last questions relate to your personal values and conscience. Your values provide the basis for your ethical decisions. They influence both what you consider important in life as well as what you consider to be right and wrong. Your values are rooted in your upbringing and background. If you have been taught to follow the Ten Commandments, for instance, you will have a clear sense of right and wrong. This will influence your conscience. Doing right will be a source of positive self-esteem and mental health. Doing wrong will make you feel bad about yourself and lower your self-esteem.