The Importance of Compliance in the Work Place: Compliance Versus Non-compliance

Compliance in the work place can make or break a business and thus, its importance in a business of any size should not be under-estimated.

Employers and employees often enter into disputes or controversies that involve issues of compliance versus non-compliance in the work place. While an employer needs and insists upon compliance in a work place, employees may not always comprehend its necessity or significance. At the heart of many work place problems lies non-compliance. 

Understanding what compliance means may prove beneficial to employers and employees. 

What does the word comply mean?

The freedictionary.com defines the word comply as “to act in accordance with another's command, request, rule, or wish” or in a more obsolete context, “to be courteous or obedient”.

Employers are not dictators, but at times strong measures can help to ensure employee compliance.

What is the businessdictionary.com definition of compliance?  

“Certification or confirmation that the doer of an action (such as the writer of an audit report), or the manufacturer or supplier of a product, meets the requirements of accepted practices, legislation, prescribed rules and regulations, specified standards, or the terms of a contract.”

Not all employees conform to the wishes of their employers and some choose not to do so, preferring their own way. Repeated non-compliance can lead to disciplinary measures or dismissal, so compliance becomes increasingly important for those who want to retain their jobs in a work place. 

Non-compliance can lead to a breach of contract placing a company, business or organization in jeopardy, by creating an awkward or difficult situation. 

Most businesses try to operate on an optimal business plan that does not allow room for non-compliance. In fact, departure from that business plan can throw any business into chaos. Where the importance of compliance in a place of employment is recognized, employees find personal and collective recognition. With added incentives like promotions or bonuses, they can be motivated to become more proactive in terms of compliance, which may include basic courtesy and obedience.  

Those doing business with other work places are under the obligation of mutual compliance, or they may suffer immediate and permanent contract termination based upon non-compliance. Any business can refuse to do business with another work place, company or organization, if there are found to be questionable business practices or a lack of integrity. 

Where there are ethical principles and practice that relate to compliance, the work place tends to functions in a peaceful manner and thus, with respect to business issues, compliance in the work place is important.