Preamble

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Ethical dilemmas occur when guiding principles or values are in conflict. The “Golden Rule” should be the guiding principle by which we assess our motives and transact business with one another. However, this is not always the case, so we must establish principles to remind us of our purpose and expected code of conduct within this organization. We urge every member to regularly evaluate their principles for life and business to ensure that they, their co-workers, peers and families will always be proud of the values and ethics exhibited daily in their life and work.

The common ground of our Network is “Employment”. Through employment, men and women seek to satisfy the basic needs of life, not only monetarily, but in self-esteem, value to others, the ability to contribute to society, the fulfillment of dreams and personal discovery. To improve the condition of mankind through better employment is an honorable thing indeed. Our business methodology also improves and enhances the economic vitality of each community served by enlarging and improving the quality of the local employment resource pool, also making that community more attractive to prospective businesses looking to relocate. Membership in our Network affords business men and women the opportunity to interact within a secure and dedicated business environment that allows them to address common employment problems in their communities and work together with their Staffing Partners to discover and implement workable solutions.

Realizing that cooperation with other businesses promotes the best interests of those who utilize their services, The Employer’s Network, Inc. ® urges exclusive representation of clients; do not attempt to gain any unfair advantage over competitors; and refrain from making unsolicited comments about other members or their businesses. In instances where an opinion is sought, or where members believe that comment is necessary, their opinion is offered in an objective, professional manner, uninfluenced by any personal motivation or potential advantage or gain.

Commitment to ethical professional conduct is expected of every member (Corporate members, Executive Network members, and Staffing Partners) of The Employer’s Network, Inc. ®. This Code, through its Guidelines, is intended to serve as a reminder and basis for ethical decision making in the conduct of professional work. Secondarily, they may serve as a basis for judging the merit of a formal complaint pertaining to violation of professional ethical standards.

By accepting this standard as their own, members pledge to observe its spirit in all of their activities and to conduct their business in accordance with the tenets set forth below.

The Code

• Our members are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of business conduct in relationship to their employees, customers, suppliers and the general public, as well as other members of The Employer’s Network.
• The quality of the products and services of our members reflects upon all members of The Employer’s Network. Therefore, it is imperative that adherence to a set of strict principles and guidelines be in place at each member company to ensure that the highest degree of quality, in both product and service, be maintained.
• Our members shall be respectful of others, without regard to race, creed, color, gender, age, status or religious affiliation.
• Our members shall abide by the laws of our land, whether national, state or local. Proper adherence should be in the spirit of the law, both in word and deed.
• Our members must always conduct business free of actual or potential conflicts of interest. A “conflict of interest” occurs when an individual’s private interests interfere in any way – or even appear to interfere – with the interests of The Employer’s Network, Inc. ® and its membership as a whole.
• Our members shall represent The Employer’s Network ® to the very best of their abilities. Integrity, truthfulness and trustworthiness must be conveyed to all prospective members.
• Our members shall maintain the confidentiality of the business methodology of The Employer’s Network, Inc. ®. Full disclosure of The Employer’s Network’s method shall not be given without proper documentation in a signed and witnessed “TEN Non-Disclosure Agreement”.
• Our members shall be responsible for accurate and timely reporting of information pertinent to The Employer’s Network, Inc. ®. All payments, whether to employees, suppliers, The Employer’s Network, inc. ® or your staffing provider, shall be timely and accurate.

• Our members shall compensate their employees so as to enable them to meet, at least, their basic needs and provide the opportunity to improve their skills and capabilities in order to raise their social and economic opportunities.
• Our members shall maintain a safe workplace environment for all employees, whether full or part-time, temporary or day laborers. By providing a safe and healthy workplace, you protect human health, the environment and promote sustainable employee and industry development. Respect for and fair treatment of all employees is not an option.
• Our members shall never use illegal or child labor. The reporting of such practices to the appropriate authorities does proper service to worker and industry alike.
• Our members shall not allow harsh or inhumane treatment of employees. Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation shall be prohibited.
• Our members are solemnly urged to work with governmental and community agencies in the area where they conduct business to improve the quality of life in those communities – their educational, cultural, economic and social well-being – and seek to provide training and opportunities for workers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Our members shall promote fair competition, including respect for intellectual and property rights, and never violate the copyrights, patents, trade secrets or the terms of license agreements of others. It is also expected that our members shall never offer, pay or accept a bribe of any kind.