2. • Why we need HR policies and procedures
• What they should include
• Top 5 Essential Policies
• Recommended Additional Polices
• How to use them as a management tool
What will I cover?
3. HR Policies and Procedures
What are policies and procedures?
They are “the way we do things around here”.
4. HR Policies and Procedures
Why do we need to write them down?
A structured approach will help you to ensure:
• you meet your basic legal obligations
• managers make consistent and reliable decisions
• you promotes a culture of fairness
• a clear understanding of expectations, rules and
consequences
• that you welcome employees to your business
professionally
5. HR Policies and Procedures
Difference between a Policy and a Procedure
A policy is a guiding principle (e.g.: we don’t tolerate workplace bullying).
A procedure lists tangible steps or processes by which the policy is
implemented.
6. HR Policies and Procedures
Manual v individual policies
There is no right or wrong approach.
7. HR Policies and Procedures
What to include?
Policy Statement
A broad overview of the purpose of the policy and what the policy is.
Definitions
Clear definitions to help the reader understand the content.
Procedure
How the policy will be implemented and details on the obligations of both
the employee and employer.
Consequences
What are the consequences if an employee breaches the policy?
8. • Code of Conduct
• Workplace Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination
• IT – Email, Internet and Social Media
• Grievance Procedure
• Occupational Health and Safety
Essential Policies
Top 5
9. Essential Policies
Top 5
Code of Conduct
An expectation for employees to maintain a high standard of conduct and
work performance to ensure the business maintains its good reputation
with customers and suppliers.
• Personal Conduct
• Professional Conduct
• Company Reputation
• Dress Code
• Use of Mobile Phones
10. Essential Policies
Top 5
Workplace Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination
Provide a clear definition of what is acceptable workplace behaviour and
the consequences of inappropriate behaviour.
• EEO (Equal Opportunity Employer)
• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Workplace Bullying
• What to do if it happens to you
• How the company will manage a complaint
• Victimisation
• Consequences for breach of policy
11. Essential Policies
Top 5
IT – Email, Internet and Social Media
This policy should set out the rights and responsibilities of users of email,
internet and social media; and acceptable and unacceptable use of these
technologies.
• Internet access and use
• Email use
• Social Media – professional and personal
• Privacy
• Consequences for breach of policy
12. Essential Policies
Top 5
Grievance Procedure
How to lodge a grievance with if an employee believes a decision,
behaviour or action affecting their employment is unfair.
• How to make a complaint
• How to receive a complaint
• How to investigate a complaint
13. Essential Policies
Top 5
Occupational Health and Safety
Overall policy on your approach to OHS in the workplace.
• Management obligations
• Employee Obligations
• Injury Management
• Return to Work
• Smoking in the Workplace
• Drugs and Alcohol
14. • Leave Policy
• Overtime and Time in Lieu
• Vehicle and Driving Policy
• Performance Improvement and Discipline
• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Gifts and Gratuities
• Training and Development
• Recruitment
Essential Policies
Other Policies to Consider
15. HR Policies and Procedures
Management Tools
To be effective, they need to be:
• available
• understood
• referenced
