WORKPLACE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Manage and regulate behaviour at work

Company policies or Codes of Conduct are an important way to ensure your business is protected. Well-drafted and up-to-date workplace policies set minimum employee standards that can be relied on in the event of poor performance or misconduct. Comprehensive procedures also remove any surprises about how an issue or conflict will be dealt with, thereby reducing the likelihood of drawn-out and expensive disputes.

Company policies are a key way in which managers and employees alike are informed of their legal obligations at work, and are advised of their rights in particular situations. Furthermore, unlike employment contracts, policies can be reviewed and amended from time to time, and therefore are an important way in which a company can ensure safe and productive workplaces.

Types of company policies

Company policies generally set out the rules, requirements, entitlements and expectations applicable in a particular workplace. However, company policies should not be lengthy lists of ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ for employees to rigidly follow – as this may not have much of an effect on motivating employee compliance. Instead, it is important that employers design and institute policy that is reasonable, can easily be understood and is readily enforceable.