What are Policies?

Company policies are written documents that establish expectations and provide guidance on how to handle workplace situation consistently and fairly. As they also provide direction regarding what is appropriate and what is not across a range of topics, they are key to the successful management of your team.

Together, when implemented properly, they guide your organisation and reduce the risk of liability. In addition, they promote consistency across the organisation for both employees and customers.

This consistency builds a healthy reputation for your organisation, especially regarding employee touchpoints and with customers.

Why are they important?

Without adequate and well-developed policies, there are essentially no rules. And unfortunately, without defined rules, this allows people to create their own.

Policies provide employees a well-rounded view of the workplace, allowing them to know the culture that the organisation is striving for, the acceptable behaviours, and how to achieve them.

Workplace policies can be seen as long and voluminous however, in practice, a well-drafted set of workplace policies can play an essential role in protecting the employer’s interests while creating a positive workplace culture for everyone.

Policies can also:

• Increase compliance with internal and external requirements;
• Improve internal processes;
• Help you navigate incidents and crises;
• Let employees know where they can turn for help; and
• Enable consistent processes & structures.