6 Essential Workplace Policies And Procedures Every Business Should Have
Developing and implementing workplace policies and procedures is vital for any business, whether large or small. Having clear and concise policies and procedures in place can help create a positive and productive workplace culture.
Still, trying to figure out where to start? Here are 6 essential workplace policies and procedures that every business should have in place:
1. Employee Conduct and Code of Conduct:
Employee conduct policies outline what employees should expect from each other at work and what behaviour is unacceptable. A code of conduct is similar but specifically outlines the expected behaviour of hr consultants towards customers, vendors, or other members of your team. In addition, it should include a section on unacceptable behaviour like bullying, harassment, discrimination, etc.
2. Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying:
A discrimination policy should clearly outline what constitutes discrimination at work, as well as how you will respond if anyone reports being discriminated against by a colleague or manager. Harassment and bullying policies should also be clearly defined to identify unacceptable behaviours at work and outline how they will be handled when reported by employees.
3. Equal Employment Opportunity:
It’s important to ensure that your employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of gender or ethnicity. This policy outlines your commitment to equal opportunity and any steps you will take if an employee feels they have been treated unfairly based on one or more protected characteristics.
4. Workplace Health and Safety:
A comprehensive health & safety policy will ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to protecting themselves in the workplace. This includes proper training on how to use equipment safely and what steps should be taken in an emergency.
5. Drug and Alcohol Policy:
This policy should explain how drugs or alcohol use can affect productivity at work, as well as outline the consequences of violating this policy. It might also include how employees who need help with substance abuse can access assistance without fear of repercussion from management or human resources staff.
6. Leave Policies:
Leave policies should be clearly outlined in your employee handbook so that your employees know what to expect when taking time off from work. This includes paid vacation time, sick leave, parental leave and other types of leave (e.g., bereavement).
Conclusion:
Workplace policies and procedures help you establish what your business will look like when it grows, who you want on the team, how they should act, what to do if people leave, and how to handle conflicts. It’s also a good way of helping everyone around you understand all aspects of the business.
