Conflicts of Interest and the Workplace

Every business should have a plan for employees to disclose potential conflicts of interest and a way to resolve them. As an example, if your business is selling paint products do you want an employee who sells paint as a side business? Probably not. A definition of a conflict of interest is any activity, financial investment, interest, association, or relationship, (including relationships with family members, relatives, friends, and social acquaintances), that conflicts with an employee’s independent exercise of judgment concerning their employment. Although it is not possible to identify all possible situations, reasonable business judgment should be sufficient to evaluate most situations.


Managing a potential conflict of interest starts with the employee notifying an immediate supervisor that the potential for conflict exists. I've told employees, submitting potential conflicts, my job is to help guide them through the process, and come to a conclusion that is fair to all concerned.