Several federal laws require employers to protect workers from workplace harassment and discrimination. Remote work, technology, and engagement are hot topics in the New World of Work. [COMING SOON]. One company may have several policies. First, the basics. They can set clear guidelines on what is and isn’t appropriate. Your pre-writing activities include deciding on a document focus and researching background. Make sure all employees receive original (and updated) company policies for total compliance and legal protection. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to have updated company policies that reflect what is happening in the workplace due to the COVID-19 emergency — and to communicate those policies electronically to reach the most employees. How will I know if a certain policy is the best choice for my employees? Company policy statements should be clear, specific and state consequences for infractions. Include specific provisions for how to report behavior that violates your policies and a statement that ensures reporting such behavior is protected. Here’s what to keep in mind when creating anti-discrimination policies that support LGBTQ employees: All these policies help you stand out as an employer. They are the framework and constraints within which everyone can strive for individual and collective success. However, if you don’t have some company policies, you may soon find yourself in a situation in which you wish you did. When we talk to clients as part of an IT audit we often find that policies are a concern, either the policies are out of date or just not in place at all. Finally, you will disseminate your documents and train users in the new policies and pro… Keep in mind that, in many states, firearms are allowed in locked vehicles in the parking lot, regardless of workplace restrictions. They give employees the means to become more productive and engaged. Identify key processes and tasks in your business, and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each. It’s a roadmap of how they should act, and it speaks to your company culture.Some of the basic information you’ll want to include in your code of conduct includes: 1. It also helps put you on firm legal footing. Procedures for each business can … Determining the best policies for your company can seem challenging at first. Privacy – Protect employees, the company and your customers by establishing a policy that encourages transparency and trust with your customers. Though some companies remain hesitant about embracing WFH, most companies proclaimed as “best places to work” provide flexible schedules and telecommuting options. 2016 data shows that more companies are embracing LGBTQ equality than ever before and inclusive hiring statements are on the rise. The overall purpose behind creating a business policy is to make a company run smoothly, efficiently and in a well-organized approach to get maximum business benefits and customer satisfaction. Besides, for anyone who has watched a few kids playing together it’s pretty obvious why rules are important. Read our in-depth report. A company policy helps foster employee wellness, fair treatment, and to ensure that a company is following laws and regulations. Make sure your company policy defines disabilities and states your intent to comply with all applicable laws under the ADA. Protect your company’s reputation and legal status by creating a social media policy that empowers your employees to share messages in a positive way while avoiding potential problems. Though those form the basis of a functioning company, they may not be enough to create a happy workplace. And the U.S. corporate world took note. These policies, procedures, and checklists successfully recognize the limits of providing employees proper guidance for appropriate behavior at work and draw a line between that and employee lives outside of the workplace. Modern collaboration tools make working from home an attractive, cost-effective option for employees and employers alike. Dress code and grooming standards 3. The cost of life insurance varies widely by company and product type; so when shopping for a policy you need to make sure to compare policies that are within your budget. These days it’s common for some employees to work from home or remotely. Employers at Sparrows, an offshore oil and gas services company based in Scotland, sent an insane memo to their staff in 2013, informing them that milk, while still permitted on the premises, could no longer be used in cereal. In response to last year’s tax reform legislation, the IRS updated the income-tax withholding tables for 2018. illegal to terminate employees due to their personal posts, more companies are embracing LGBTQ equality than ever before, inclusive hiring statements are on the rise. Add a few personal touches and you’re good to go. And policies can help you avoid, or at least defend against, lawsuits. More often than not, these policies are directed at the company employees. Americas: +1 857 990 9675 It is a reference throughout the Company. and they may pertain to issues involving clients or employees. Spell out how requests for accommodations should be made, including what information you require (such as any medical records) and to whom requests should be submitted. Or talk to us about your hiring plans and discover how Workable can help you find and hire great people. Struggling with a task or project? Consider adding policies in these 10 key areas: In today’s workplace, many employees use their own cell phones, tablets and laptops both on and off the job. An online company policies or employee handbook tool is a smart way to keep your rules and guidelines accessible. Here’s what to keep in mind when creating your social media policy: COVID-19 has shifted the way we work – and some of it, permanently. Employees at Liberty Mutual say the company has "one of the best vacation time off" policies. Connect with our team of Workable experts and other industry professionals. There’s no need to worry about being on top of trending policies with the Company Policies Smart App. Don’t be afraid to ask your employees for feedback on how you can better support them. Make sure your employees know that discrimination is illegal when you’re hiring, providing job assignments or offering promotions. For additional guidance on how to steer your company in the right direction, download our free tip sheet, 7 Top Company Policies for Today’s Changing Workplace. Employee attendance and paid time off (including accrual or payouts of unused time. New laws focused on family leave, marijuana use and firearms may require you to update company policies. That way, agents know WHEN to hit homes with their mailers and people know by when they need to call for a quote. Ensure your policy avoids discrimination and enables you to end the ability to work remotely if necessary. More than 30 states allow medical marijuana use and 11 states, plus Washington D.C., permit recreational use. Take a look to see the recommended sample policies that don't sap employee spirits and steal their lives and private time. Code of ethics 2. Clearly define the types of actions that are considered discrimination or harassment (including sexual harassment) and what your policies for infractions are. Get clear, concise, up-to-date advice with our practical, step-by-step guides. Our HR experts consistently monitor and add new policies for your use so you’re always in the best position to address emerging issues. Sick leave (including what your business will do if there’s a major outbreak or pandemic like the influenza virus or most recently the COVID-19 crisis). After writing, your documents should be reviewed, validated, and approved. Ready-to-go resources to support you through every stage of the HR lifecycle, from recruiting to retention. Our New World of Work survey found a great deal of uncertainty about the road ahead, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Even in states where concealed-carry weapons are legal, employers can prohibit employees from carrying weapons into the workplace premises or making threats against other employees. Americas: +1 857 990 9675 Sign up for jargon-free hiring resources. Remote work, digital transformation, and engagement are hot topics according to our new survey on the New World of Work. WHS policies highlight safety procedures and the responsibilities of all employees to keep the workplace safe. Best Practices Successful Companies & Their Marketing Organizations are Putting into Practice. Rules about facial hair Knowing the right thing to do when it comes to managing a business isn’t always an easy task, but follow these 10 steps for business best practices and you’ll be on the right track: 1. Trends in new technology, device use, remote working and social media also require a closer look at confidentiality and other policies. While too much social media activity might hinder employee productivity, banning or monitoring personal social media use during working hours could create unnecessary resentment. Her background also includes B2B sales and marketing as well as firsthand experience as a small business owner.FUN FACT: Shanna’s all-time favorite sports team is the St. Louis Cardinals. 08, Remote work, technology, and engagement are hot topics in the New World of Work. Although federal and state laws don’t require you to create an employee handbook or put all your policies in writing, doing so makes sound legal sense. When clients are involved, policies are often handled by … "The milk purchased by the company … Finding the best life insurance company can be challenging, especially since the advantages one company over another are not immediately obvious. We couldn't sign you up. But, they’re not the only ones. Policies are to a company what rules are to the players of a game. Most of the work happens before you ever begin to write. Company policies and procedures outline the way business is conducted within that organization, providing guidelines for both employees and managers. With new laws in many states that legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, your drug use policies may need updating. Please report this error to support@hrdirectapps.zendesk.com, Learn the Essentials of Human Resources Recordkeeping Through the. If you have any drug-testing procedures in place, such as random testing, for-cause testing or post-accident testing, be sure you define them clearly. Developing policies is an essential step for any new company, but it’s also important to understand that policies need to be monitored and updated. Today, this goes beyond the traditional language that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin or gender, and it may include sexual orientation, gender identity or age as well. Every business should have some policies and procedures to govern their daily business operations and to protect the business and their employees. She is a licensed attorney in Florida and Illinois. Industry insights, new tech and tools, step outside the day-to-day demands of HR and keep pace with a changing world. Others provide writing tips that result in policies that are easier for your employees to understand and follow. Company Policies & Standard Operational Procedures About this document This document is the Saltaire Security Ltd record of Company Policies and Standard Operational Procedures. While allowing employees to bring their own devices can reduce costs, it also creates potential security and legal compliance concerns. Today’s policies shouldn’t have different time-off allotments for male vs. female bonding of a new child. Articulate strategy to strengthen the company’s agency model The best company policies don’t police. Nowadays, this means addressing gender equality issues, remote working arrangements, technology use, and drug and gun law matters. These policies address a company's rules and procedures regarding holidays, vacation, sick, and other types of time off benefits, or leave required by law (such as voting leave, family leave, and domestic violence leave) or company policy. policies your company needs and identifying when those policies should be updated. Here are three of the best company policies that ambitious companies are adopting: 2016 was the tipping point for official social media policies: 51% of employees now report that their employers offer guidelines for using social media at work. Now to create a policy, you could make use of these professional templates. These policies are a lot like terms and conditions and are used for the benefit of the company as a whole. Companies with well-designed LGBTQ-friendly policies see clear business and recruiting sense in standing up for equality. Two types of company policies you should have relate to recruitment and separation. Since graduating from St. Thomas University, School of Law, Shanna has practiced law for 8 years. In addition to these basic policies, you’ll want to make sure your company policies address some important workplace trends. A company confidentiality policy helps protect customer data, trade secrets, procedures and information about new products or services. But that’s not all – there’s much, much more. Policies can make it clear to employees what kind of behavior is expected in your workplace. THE biggest and best variable data differentiator an insurance company can include is the expiration date of the recipient’s policy. For example, outline what is permitted (such as sharing new product photos or images from a company event) as well as what is not (such as pre-launch details, internal strategies or controversial political comments). When creating your family leave policies, it’s important to avoid gender bias and offer leave equally to all sexes. When a company policy involves employees, it is likely to be overseen by either management or human resources. Your business’s code of conduct is the first place employees should look when they have questions about ethics and compliance. By having policies and processes in place, you create standards and values for your business. Don’t let jargon stand between you and your to-do list. Detail how you will communicate instructions and what the chain of command would be if your main office is closed. It’s best to check that this is the case in your IT environment as, if this account is enabled in your domain, disabling it will prevent people from abusing access: In Group Policy Management Editor (opened for a custom GPO), go to “Computer Configuration” “Windows Settings” “Security Settings” “Local Policies” “Security Options”. Your company's recruitment policy should demonstrate fairness and diversity in the hiring process and must follow the guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in regard to avoiding discrimination based on factors like age, gender or race. And some lessons will help you fully integrate policies with your company’s values and ethics, training programs and compliance efforts. Policies are also guidelines for legal issues, regulatory requirements, and any situation that could lead to serious consequences. Organize Company Policies Easily. The best company policies don’t police. Plus, you have the ability to create, edit, distribute and keep track of the receipt of all policies for your business. Finding the best car insurance company for your needs and budget can be difficult. Methodology . Europe & Rest of World: +44 203 826 8149. Set exp… Get clear explanations of the most common HR terms. In honor of Small Business Week, we've compiled a list of five terrible company policies that other businesses should try to avoid at all cost. To help businesses navigate this new landscape, we’ve added new COVID-19 related policies to our Company Policies Smart App covering: Shanna supports legal research and content for the product development of next generation HR/compliance solutions at ComplyRight. The rules and norms governing the workplace are changing and employee manuals need to reflect the shifts that are happening. Having well-written and up-to-date employee policies is more than a good business practice. Most employee handbooks include policies like anti-discrimination, confidentiality, code of conduct and attendance. Ask questions, find answers, get tips, and dig deeper into our product. Our HR experts consistently monitor and add new policies for your use so you’re always in the best position to address emerging issues. For every hiring challenge, Workable has a solution. Policies and procedures are typically bound into employee handbooks for efficient reference. Though those form the basis of a functioning company, they may not be enough to create a happy workplace. It should specify the types of forbidden substances and conduct as well as the consequences for violating the policy. Creating good policies takes time and effort, but you can increase your chances for success by remembering a few basics. Start hiring now with a 15-day free trial. Most employee handbooks include policies like anti-discrimination, confidentiality, code of conduct and attendance. They give employees the means to become more productive and engaged. These guidelines shouldn’t be draconian, though. Often, legislation will change which will make certain procedures obsolete, while others might prove ineffective in the particular workplace. For a practical, online tool for creating, communicating and maintaining company policies, consider the Company Policies … Employees report they can receive four weeks of … Banish the blank page for good with our 1000+ HR templates. What’s in, what’s out, and what’s around the corner—they’ve got the HR world covered. Establish when social media for personal use is allowed, what information is considered confidential, the brand guidelines for discussing company products or services, and rules of etiquette. At a minimum, your written company policies should cover certain fundamentals, such as: Specify the consequences for policy infractions and how to request time off or apply for benefits. In fact, under OSHA and various state laws, you are obligated to protect employees from workplace violence. In addition, outlining your company policies in writing helps: There’s no need to worry about being on top of trending policies with the Company Policies Smart App. Be sure you have a policy to let employees know what to expect in case of an emergency. The best approach to creating and implementing successful policies is through careful consideration. In sensitive industries, you may need to ask employees to sign a confidentiality, non-disclosure or non-compete agreement. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! Learn more about the features available and how they make each recruiting task easier. Read the minds of our team of HR writers. Attendance requirementsSpell it all out for your employees. 1. May. Workplace injuries can affect your business in a number of ways including decreased productivity, sick pay obligations and the cost of finding a replacement. Highlight safety procedures and information about new products or services to hit homes with their mailers people... 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