More than an internal document, the Code of Conduct strengthens organizational culture, prevents labor liabilities, and reinforces the company’s ethical commitment.
By Graziela Barreto
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Legale Overseas, no. 956.
The Superior Labor Court of Brazil (TST) recorded more than 4 million cases in 2024, including approximately 3.6 million new filings, according to the General Report of the Brazilian Labor Justice System for the same year. This increase in labor disputes heightens companies’ exposure to liabilities and reinforces the need to improve internal governance and risk prevention practices.
Amid this growing litigation scenario, the Code of Conduct becomes an essential preventive tool: it is not merely an internal document but a practical mechanism to guide behavior, demonstrate diligence, and reduce legal risks.
The document acts as a practical guide to professional conduct, defining the ethical standards expected of managers, employees, and third parties, while also setting out guidelines on harassment, discrimination, confidentiality, the use of corporate resources, and the prevention of conflicts of interest.
A central element of the Code of Conduct is the establishment of an effective and secure whistleblowing channel that allows reports of irregularities or inappropriate behavior to be made confidentially and without retaliation. The existence of such a channel demonstrates the company’s commitment to active listening, fact-finding, and the correction of any misconduct, strengthening trust between employees and leadership.
In practice, a well-implemented Code helps reduce behaviors that may lead to litigation, improves organizational climate, and enhances the attraction and retention of talent. For companies that are expanding or have international operations, it also facilitates the standardization of practices and ensures greater predictability in due diligence processes conducted by partners and investors.
Vaz de Almeida Advogados operates strategically in corporate labor law, focusing on risk prevention and the implementation of internal compliance policies. We assist companies from the drafting of the Code of Conduct to the implementation of whistleblowing channels, leadership training, and the design of investigation processes—promoting ethical, sustainable, and legally sound workplaces.
Translation Disclaimer
This document was originally drafted in Portuguese and subsequently translated into English using artificial intelligence (AI).
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