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Welcome to the Employee Code of Conduct Module Module Objectives: Promoting ethical Behavior and to uphold the values of Sitara To establish a common Code of Conduct & to ensure Compliance with laws & regulations To clearly communicate the consequences of Non-Compliance Avoidance of Conflict of Interest Confidentiality Equal Employment Opportunity Dress Code Professional Ethics Disciplinary Action Grievance Redressal Avoidance of Conflict of Interest What is Conflict of Interest? When personal interests interfere or conflict with professional duties and responsibilities. Let us understand conflict of interest with the help of a few scenarios : Scenario 1: An employee of the affordable housing finance company is involved in a real estate transaction related to a property financed by the company. Conflict: The employee may have a personal interest in the success of the transaction, potentially influencing the company's decision-making process. Scenario 2: The company has a financial interest in a vendor providing services related to affordable housing projects, and an employee has a personal relationship with a representative of that vendor. Conflict: The employee's personal relationship may influence decisions related to vendor selection, potentially compromising the company's commitment to fair and competitive practices. Importance of Avoidance of Conflict of Interest Avoiding conflicts of interest helps organizations and individuals maintain a high level of integrity. When stakeholders perceive that decisions are made impartially, trust in the organization is strengthened. Conflicts of interest can cloud judgment and compromise objectivity. By avoiding such conflicts, decision-makers can make choices based on merit and the best interests of the organization rather than personal gain. Fairness is a fundamental principle in organizational settings. When conflicts of interest are minimized, it ensures that decisions are fair and equitable, promoting a level playing field for all stakeholders. Conflicts of interest can tarnish an organization's reputation. Avoiding such conflicts helps protect the organization's image and credibility in the eyes of customers, investors, employees, and the public. Avoiding conflicts of interest promotes transparency in decision-making processes. Open communication about potential conflicts and their resolution demonstrates a commitment to transparency and ethical conduct. When employees perceive that decisions are made fairly and without favoritism, it contributes to a positive work environment. This, in turn, boosts morale and fosters a sense of loyalty among employees. Avoidance of Conflict of Interest – Points to Note No employee should be involved in an outside business, either a competitor, vendor, partner which may affect the employee’s judgement or may interfere with t he employee’s obligation of devoting complete attention to her/his duties. No employee should be found moon lighting or working part-time for any other organization. Confidentiality What is Confidentiality? The practice of ensuring that information is only accessed by authorized individuals and is not disclosed to unauthorized parties. Types of Confidential Information: Personal Data includes both data of both employees as well as customers. Financial Information refers to sensitive data related to organization’s financial status, transactions, performance etc. Intellectual Property (IP) rights pertain to the legal ownership and protection of creations or inventions. Trade Secret is a type of IP that refers to valuable business information that provides competitive advantage to the owners. Strategic Plan refers to a comprehensive and confidential document that outlines an organization's long-term goals, objectives, strategies, and action plans for achieving success. Confidentiality – Points to Note All employees on joining the company are required to sign and abide by an employment/confidentiality agreement. Any information relating to the company’s business dealings, methods, appointments, practices and transactions, designs and processes or affairs or any other matter that comes to employee’s possession or attention by reasons of their employment, shall be treated as being confidential, whether or not it is individually identified as confidential. Employees are required to maintain confidentiality of all company proprietary information unless it is necessary to be disclosed for statutory reasons. Employees are expected to safeguard this information and discussions should be limited to those on a “need to know” basis & discretion should be used at all stages of handling such information, whether oral or written. Special attention should be given towards aspects like filing & photocopying as there may be potential loss of confidentiality Equal Employment Opportunity Sitara is committed to creating an equality based and discrimination free work environment, practices & promoting a culture that is free from discrimination, harassment & abuse. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement “Sewa Grih Rin Limited is dedicated to fostering a workplace environment that is inclusive, diverse, and free from discrimination. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.” Key Principles of Equal Opportunity Policy Non-Discrimination - Equal opportunity for all, no discrimination based on any protected characteristic. Recruitment & Hiring - Fair & unbiased recruitment & hiring, encouraging diverse pool of candidates. Promotions & Advancements - Promotions & career development based on merit, skills & performance. Monitor & address disparities. Training & Development - Provide equal access to training & development programs for all. Compensation & Benefits Fair & equal compensation for employees performing similar roles, Addressing Pay gaps. Harassment Prevention Zero tolerance against all forms of harassment. Appropriate mechanisms & process to address & report such incidents Flexibility & Work-Life Balance Supporting work-life balance and flexibility and also acknowledging diverse needs of employees Retaliation Prevention Prohibiting retaliation against any employee who raises concerns or participates in any investigation regarding discrimination. Communication & Training Regularly communicate Equal Opportunity Policy, Conduct trainings on Diversity & Inclusion to create awareness. Monitoring & Reporting E&S, DEI Committee to monitor effectiveness of Equal Opportunity Policy. Leadership Commitment Leadership Commitment to the principles of Equal Opportunity, fostering a culture valuing diversity at all levels Periodic Reviews Reviewing and updating Equal Opportunity Policy to promote a fair and inclusive workplace. Dress Code Policy Objectives - The Dress Code Policy ensures that the employee attire reflects the culture of the organization. It should also reflect Professionalism. - It provides a checklist of desirable employee attire and the type of clothing prohibited in the organization. Scope of Dress Code Policy Applicable to all Employees Should follow he dress code as per the days allotted by Sitara Special Care Situations During client visits During meetings & conferences Elements of Dress Code Policy Attire should be neat and clean Should be appropriate to the work environment Revealing & Offensive clothes are not allowed Formal Dress Code – Weekdays Business Casual Dress Code – Working Saturdays Formal Dress Code Weekdays – Men Women Formal Dress Code: Men & Women : MEN Preferably Light-coloured collared Shirt Preferably contrasting well fitted trouser May or may not wear a formal suit (Dark) Formal oxford shoes with laces (black/Tan) Leather belt matching shoe colour Cotton socks (Full length) matching trouser colour. Watch can be worn as an accessory WOMEN Preferably Light-coloured collared Shirt Preferably contrasting well fitted trouser May or may not wear a formal suit (Dark) Kurta/kurti & salwar in gentle pastel is preferable May use light coloured nail paint/lipstick May wear simple necklace, small earrings and nose rings/studs as accessories Low heeled shoes/Pumps (dark coloured) Smart Casual Dress Code: Working Saturdays Smart Casual Dress Code: Men & Women Only on working Saturday’s (weekends) MEN May wear Collared tee shirt May wear Jeans, Chino’s May wear sneakers, jogger shoes (with laces) WOMEN May wear collared tee shirts, tops May wear jeans, chino’s May wear sneakers, jogger shoes (with laces) Dress Code Policy – Don’ts Employees not to wear tee shirts and jeans on weekdays Employees not to wear bright & flashy clothes Employees not to wear flashy accessories (flashy belt buckles, earrings etc.) Employees not to wear clothes that are revealing in nature Employees not to wear torn or tattered jeans Employees not to wear slippers or flip flops or open toed shoes Professional Ethics Professional ethics refers to the moral principles, values, and standards of conduct that guide the behavior of individuals in a professional context. These ethics outline the expected behaviors, responsibilities, and norms of conduct for professionals.