Experts say a good start to establishing an ethical workplace begins with writing a code of ethics. A code of ethics should be tailored to the needs and values of your organization.

A few tips include:

Include an aspirational section, often in the preamble, that outlines what the organization aspires to, or the ideals it hopes to live up to. Use words like ethics, values, beliefs and responsibility.

An ethics code will typically list some rules or principles, which members of the organization will be expected to adhere to.

Your code should define, specifically, what acceptable and unacceptable behaviors are and promote high standards of practice.

Make sure to enforce the rules and violations and carefully decide to what punishment should go with which violations. Employees should know what will happen to them if they mess up.

Be sure to include policies that you adhere to, especially those that are required by law such as hiring practices, non-discrimination policies, fair treatment, etc. Most experts say ethical tones are set at the top.