HR policies are meant to provide frameworks for your organization, within which consistent decisions can be made.
With workplaces changing today, workplace policies need to reflect the shifts that are occurring. Therefore, addressing these latest trends by updating employee policies can help set clear boundaries, prevent misunderstandings in the workplace, and ultimately protect your business.
There are several HR policies that you should have in your handbook. They are:
1. Termination Policy
This HR policy reiterates that both the employer and employee will follow the stipulated guidelines in termination. You, as the employer, should therefore prominently display this statement among your policies.
Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy
These policies prohibit harassment and discrimination from taking place in the workplace. These are always governed by various institutions, so it is important to review the applicable laws and account for all the appropriate protections when stipulating this HR policy.
2. Sexual Harassment Policy
In the modern workplace, sexual harassment is a high-profile concern. Informing and educating employees through an up-to-date sexual harassment policy is critical. Safeguard your company by clearly communicating zero-tolerance guidelines for unwanted, unwelcome, or inappropriate sexual comments or actions.
3. Employment Classifications Policy
It is an HR best practice to clearly define employment classifications. This can include full-time, part-time, exempt, or non-exempt. These can dictate their eligibility for benefits and overtime pay, so it should be a principle HR policy to stipulate all employee classifications.
4. Leave and Time-Off Benefits Policy
These HR policies should address your organization’s rules and procedures regarding holidays, sick, and all other types of time off benefits. It should also cover leave required by law, such as compassionate leave, among others. Review the employment act to ensure all leave requirements are included in your HR policies.
5. Meal and Break Periods Policy
A clear HR policy on meal and break periods ensures employees are well-informed on the frequency and duration of said breaks, as well as any additional rules or restrictions relating to them. Some laws may stipulate specifications relating to lactation breaks, rest periods, and meal periods, so ensure your policies align with those.
6. Timekeeping and Pay Policy
A timekeeping policy set by human resources keeps employees informed of the appropriate method for recording their time worked, as well as the importance of accurately recording their time. Policies on pay periods communicate the frequency of paydays to employees, the methods available for receiving payment, and any special procedures that may take place should a payday fall on a holiday or when the employee is absent from work.
7. Safety and Health Policy
These HR policies describe the safety and emergency procedures of the workplace and require employees to report any work-related injuries immediately. There are several regulations under the Employment Act that require employers to have specific policies in place if certain workplace hazards exist.
8. Employee Conduct, Attendance, and Punctuality Policy
Attendance policies communicate when employees must be ready to work, stipulating their scheduled start time each day and providing procedures for informing their supervisors of unscheduled absences or late arrivals.
In Conclusion,
Just like societies need laws to establish order and common understandings, all businesses need strong and effective HR policies.
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