We asked thought leaders this question: How does your company ensure that its HR practices not only meet legal standards but also serve as a model of ethical treatment for employees?

Here’s what they say.

Cultivate a Culture of Integrity

HR ethics go beyond mere compliance; they center on valuing, respecting, and empowering our people. As the Chief People Officer, my role is twofold: ensuring we meet all legal requirements and fostering trust and engagement across the organization. Compliance is the foundation of any HR function, but we aim for more. We strive to cultivate a culture rooted in integrity and fairness. 

We don’t see HR policies as simple checklist items or frameworks to satisfy legalities. Rather, they are the backbone that allows us to build a truly open, communicative, and collaborative leadership environment. Simply, our policies support our culture. These policies are essential tools that encourage not only safety and comfort, but also meaningful engagement at every level. We believe that when employees feel heard and supported, the entire organization thrives.

Psychological safety is a critical focus for us. When team members feel secure enough to share ideas, innovate, and take thoughtful risks without fear of retribution, the outcomes are clear: greater innovation, deeper collaboration, and stronger engagement. This is why we invest in leadership training and initiatives that promote a culture of trust, openness, and learning. Mistakes aren’t viewed as failures but as opportunities for growth, which leads to a more resilient and dynamic workforce.

Ultimately, HR is about more than policies and procedures—it’s about the people who make a company what it is. By prioritizing both ethical treatment and legal compliance, we can create an environment where employees not only feel supported but also thrive and contribute to the long-term success of the company. This is a continuous journey, one that I’m proud to lead, knowing that when we invest in our people, we all succeed.

Shannon Garcia-Lewis, Chief People Officer

Implement Comprehensive HR Practices

We prioritize compliance with legal standards and the ethical treatment of our employees through comprehensive HR practices. We have implemented a robust framework that includes regular training programs on workplace ethics, anti-discrimination policies, and harassment prevention. This ensures that all team members understand their rights and responsibilities while fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

To assess the effectiveness of these practices, we conduct regular employee surveys that gauge workplace satisfaction and perceptions of fairness. According to our most recent survey, more employees reported feeling valued and respected in their roles, while many expressed confidence in our HR processes to address any concerns. This data is a testament to our commitment to ethical treatment and highlights the positive work environment we strive to maintain.

Additionally, we benchmark our HR policies against industry best practices to ensure they meet legal requirements and exceed them in promoting employee well-being.

Ken LaMance, Attorney & General Counsel, LegalMatch

Prioritize Compliance and Ethical Support

We prioritize both compliance with labor laws and fostering an ethical, supportive environment for our team. We ensure fair wages, provide safety training, and encourage open communication to address employee concerns promptly. Our small, close-knit team allows us to build strong, personal relationships and resolve any issues quickly. 

We also track employee satisfaction through regular feedback and have maintained low turnover as a result. Verifying our commitment, all staff are fully insured, and we comply with OSHA regulations, ensuring both safety and legal standards are consistently met.

Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services

Cast your vote

Your vote counts. The poll closes in 24 hours, so make your choice as soon as you can.

About Humane HR Perspectives

Our round-up series “Humane HR Perspectives” examines the fundamentals of humanising human resources (HR) from the perspectives of top authorities within and relevant to the industry. Q&A sessions with founders, CEOs, HR professionals, business leaders, and other significant players who are influencing the direction of HR are included in every edition.

Throughout the employee life cycle, we address a wide range of subjects in this series, including recruitment and selection, onboarding, training and development, performance management, employee engagement, pay and benefits, and more. We also go over important topics like compliance, change management in the workplace, morale and welfare, workplace communications, and diversity and inclusion.

The “Humane HR Perspectives” series offers insightful advice and practical examples to help develop a more encouraging, productive, and successful workplace—whether you’re an HR professional, a business leader, or just someone who is enthusiastic about creating a great work environment. Join us as we explore the approaches, difficulties, and triumphs that characterise HR humanisation and acquire unique access to the knowledge and experiences of individuals spearheading the movement.

Let Us Know What You Think

We’d love to read your thoughts! Join the conversation and share your insights with us.

• What key takeaways resonated with you the most?
• How do you see this topic impacting your business or organisation?
• What additional insights or experiences would you like to share?