Workplace behaviour standards policy template
A free, ready-to-edit workplace behaviour standards policy template for Australian businesses. Set the baseline for professional conduct, make your zero-tolerance stance on harassment clear, and spell out the consequences for breaches — no signup required.
Behaviour standards policy
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By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
This workplace behaviour standards policy template reflects Australian employment and anti-discrimination standards at the time of publication and is provided as a general guide to adapt for your business. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Why your workplace needs behaviour standards
A workplace behaviour standards policy establishes the baseline for professional conduct — what respectful interaction looks like, and the zero-tolerance stance on harassment, bullying and discrimination. It protects both your people and your organisation by setting clear, fair and consistent expectations.
Where a code of conduct is broad and values-led, a behaviour standards policy zeroes in on day-to-day conduct and the consequences for falling short. It supports legal compliance with work health and safety and anti-discrimination law, and gives managers a documented basis for fair employee discipline. It complements your respectful workplace policy and harassment & bullying policy.
Store the policy and capture acknowledgements in your HR software so every team member knows the standard and you have an audit trail.
What a behaviour standards policy should cover
The baseline standards every workplace should set
Professionalism
Respectful, courteous interaction with colleagues, clients and the public.
Anti-discrimination
Fair, equitable treatment regardless of race, gender, religion, age or disability.
Zero tolerance for harassment
No unwelcome conduct, including sexual harassment, that demeans or intimidates.
Conflicts of interest
Keeping personal interests from interfering with professional duties.
Confidentiality
Handling sensitive company and personal information appropriately.
Clear consequences
The disciplinary actions that apply when standards aren't met.
What's included in this template
A complete baseline for professional conduct at work
Purpose & scope
Why the standards exist and who they apply to.
Core objectives
A safe culture, legal compliance and clear consequences.
Professional conduct
Respectful, courteous interaction with everyone.
Anti-discrimination
Fair, equitable treatment of all individuals.
Zero tolerance for harassment
Prohibited unwelcome conduct, including sexual harassment.
Conflicts of interest & confidentiality
Protecting decisions and sensitive information.
Reporting & speak-up
Encouraging staff to safely report breaches.
Disciplinary consequences
Warnings, dismissal or contract termination for non-compliance.
Review & acknowledgement
Policy maintenance and employee sign-off.
Making the standards stick
Clear consequences and a speak-up culture
Build a speak-up culture
Standards only work if people feel safe to raise concerns. Encourage employees to report behaviour that breaches the policy, set out a clear and confidential grievance mechanism, and make sure complaints are investigated fairly and promptly.
Apply consequences consistently
Spell out the disciplinary actions — from warnings through to dismissal — and apply them the same way for everyone. Pair the policy with a fair misconduct process so outcomes are consistent and defensible.
The core objectives
Safe culture
A supportive environment free from prejudice, aggression and victimisation.
Legal compliance
Alignment with WHS and anti-discrimination legislation.
Clear consequences
Defined disciplinary actions for non-compliance.
Shared ownership
Everyone — staff and managers — accountable to the same standard.
Reasonable management action carried out fairly — feedback, direction and legitimate discipline — is not a breach of the standards and should be distinguished from unacceptable behaviour.
Communicate the standards during onboarding and whenever they change, and have employees acknowledge them. For the supporting process, see our guides on how to implement a new policy and how to write a workplace policy.
Who should use this template?
Any workplace that wants a clear, consistent standard of conduct
Particularly useful as a concise companion to a broader code of conduct.
Compliance resources
Official guidance on workplace conduct and obligations.
Set the standard, keep the records
RosterElf helps Australian businesses store policies, capture employee acknowledgements at onboarding and keep an audit trail — all in one place.
Related guides
Write and roll out the standards effectively
Related templates
Build out your conduct framework
Behaviour standards policy FAQ
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Workplace behaviour standards are the baseline expectations for how people conduct themselves at work — professionalism and courtesy, anti-discrimination, zero tolerance for harassment, managing conflicts of interest, and confidentiality. They make clear what’s expected of everyone and what happens when those expectations aren’t met.
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A behaviour standards policy should include its purpose and scope, the core objectives (a safe culture, legal compliance, clear consequences), the key standards (professionalism, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, conflicts of interest, confidentiality), a speak-up and reporting process, the disciplinary consequences for breaches, and an employee acknowledgement.
Before you download
General information only — not legal advice
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.