Staff Policy
It is important for every business to have good staff policies. More and more business owners are having difficulties with staff and their behaviour and a great way of minimising this is to create staff policies outlining acceptable behaviour and standards of conduct. A staff policy manual is a great way of communicating this to your employees.
Introduction
Your do not have to have a staff policy on every single aspect of your business. Indeed, some staff policies can be counter productive.
However, if you want to follow best practice then it is a good idea to have at least disciplinary and grievance procedures and health and safety policies.
It is good practice to set out formal written policies so that workers understand what is expected of them in their job and working environment and what they can expect in return. Policies also help to create a culture where issues are dealt with fairly and consistently.
This business policy guide identifies the key policies that should be considered for best practice and that every business shouold have as a minimum. It also considers which policies should be put in place for different business needs and gives practical guidance on how to write good staff policies.
At a very minimum you need the following Policies:
1. Health and Safety Policies
2. Absence policy covering work times, leave and holidays
3. Internet Policies
4. Equality and diversity policies
5. Grievance, harassment and bullying policies
6. Training and performance management policies
7. Pay rewards and benefits policies
8. Managing personal relationships at work policies
The staff policies that you will need to have will depend on the size and nature of your business. For eg, if your staff operate machinery, it is necessary to implement a specific policy on drugs and alcohol use. If your staff use computers during the course of business, you should have an Internet and Email use policy.
There are many benefits to having suitable employment policies in place. Setting standards is the key to healthy workplace relations between staff and management. It can also reduce the need for disciplinary action and legal problems. It may also increase work place productivity and morale, as well as help employee retention.
Clear policy making can also be positive for your businesses reputation in the community, eg among clients and other businesses and the public. Good staff policies can also can also help in attracting new staff and help keep existing staff in your business.
This guide covers
* Writing and Communicating staff policies and procedures
* Policies on working time and time off
* Equality and diversity policies
* Health and safety policies
* Policies on discipline, grievance, bullying and harassment
* Policies to help you protect your assets
* Training and performance management policies
* Pay, rewards and benefits policies
* Managing personal relationships at work
|