Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week will be held from November 5-11, 2023. It is designed to celebrate the compliance function in the corporate world. While many companies celebrate Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week as an annual event to raise awareness about these important topics, the philosophy behind it should be applied throughout the year. In a recent episode of the podcast “Creativity and Compliance” hosted by Tom Fox and Ronnie Feldman, discussed not only the significance of this week but equally significant, the importance of engaging year-round activities in promoting corporate ethics.

One of the key takeaways was the recognition that compliance programs often limit themselves to being fun and interesting only during Compliance Week. Ronnie highlighted the irony of this approach. He questioned why companies would only focus on engaging activities once a year when they inherently recognize that fun and interesting initiatives can have a lasting impact on compliance efforts. Feldman emphasized that the philosophy behind Compliance Week should be applied consistently throughout the year.

Engaging year-round activities can take various forms. One approach mentioned Ronnie discussed is the use of creative methods such as talk shows, game shows, and workshops. These activities can make compliance more enjoyable and memorable for employees, fostering a culture of ethics and integrity. For example, Feldman shared an example of a client, an Insulin device company, that created a talk show called “Ethically Speaking with Your host Sugar Levels.” This show allowed the compliance team to be interviewed in a fun and witty manner, making the subject of ethics more approachable and relatable.

Art exhibits were also discussed as a unique way to explore and discuss ethics and integrity. Progressive Insurance, for instance, organized an art exhibit where each piece of art had a tie-in to ethics and integrity. This approach allowed employees to engage with the subject matter in a more nuanced and thought-provoking manner. By combining art and ethics, meaningful conversations were sparked, promoting a deeper understanding of ethical principles.

Another interesting suggestion made in the episode was assigning compliance projects to millennials. This approach brings a fresh perspective and better engages a younger audience, who may have different expectations and preferences when it comes to compliance efforts. By involving millennials in compliance initiatives, companies can tap into their creativity and innovative thinking, making compliance activities more relevant and impactful.

However, it is important to consider the tradeoffs and challenges associated with engaging year-round activities for promoting corporate ethics. Budget constraints, time limitations, and the need for continuous innovation can pose challenges for compliance professionals. Finding the right balance between engaging activities and the practicalities of running a compliance program is crucial.

Ultimately, the impact of engaging year-round activities on promoting corporate ethics cannot be underestimated. Compliance programs can have a cultural impact on the entire organization if they are fun, interesting, thoughtful, empathetic, and do not waste people’s time. By investing time and effort into creative and engaging initiatives, companies can create a positive compliance culture that resonates with employees at all levels.

In conclusion, promoting corporate ethics through engaging year-round activities is a powerful approach to foster a culture of integrity and compliance. Compliance programs should not limit themselves to being fun and interesting only during Compliance Week but should embrace the philosophy behind it throughout the year. By using creative methods, such as talk shows, game shows, workshops, and art exhibits, companies can make compliance more enjoyable, memorable, and relevant. Assigning compliance projects to millennials can also bring a fresh perspective and better engage a younger audience. While there may be challenges and tradeoffs involved, the long-term benefits of engaging year-round activities in promoting corporate ethics are worth the investment.

Check out the full episode on Corporate Compliance Week 2023 with Tom Fox and Ronnie Feldman on Creativity and Compliance here.

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