This document discusses the importance and benefits of establishing HR policies for a company. It begins by defining what HR policies are and providing examples of why they are needed, such as to ensure consistent decision making and equitable treatment of employees. It then lists some key benefits of having HR policies, such as clear communication of employment terms, fair treatment of all employees, and alignment with legal requirements. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of HR policies for protecting employees, developing them, and maintaining workplace discipline. It concludes by outlining 15 essential types of HR policies that all companies should have.

1. HR Policies and Evolution of HRM
Is a formal set of rules, procedures and
guidelines that govern the company’s
interaction with its employees.

2. Need for HR Policies
• To provide frameworks for an organization, within
which consistent decisions can be made, and
through which equity in the way people are
treated can be promoted.
• The implementation of strong HR policies can
help an organization demonstrate, both internally
and externally, that it meets the requirements for
diversity, ethics, and training required in today’s
workplace, and
• Meets its commitments regarding regulation and
corporate governance of employees.

3. Benefits of HR Policies
• Providing clear communication between an organization and its employees
regarding their condition of employment.
• Forming a basis for treating all employees fairly and equally.
• Setting and managing employee expectations.
• Establishing guidelines for supervisors and managers.
• Forming a basis for developing the employee handbook.
• Communicating the organization’s goals and values.
• Creating a basis for regularly reviewing possible changes that affect employees.
• Providing a ‘how-to’ on how to apply policies across all levels of an organization.
• Forming a context for various programs, such as supervisor training programs and
employee onboarding and orientation programs.
• Ensuring all policies are aligned to legal requirements and best practices.
• Creating a common and healthy working environment.
• Giving a clear picture of career growth in the organization

4. Importance
• HR policies ensure every employee of an organization is looked
after; their needs are respected, and proper benefits are made
available to them for their work.
• Help to address complaints, problems, and grievances of
employees, and outline how to solve them appropriately.
• They help protect employees from the ramifications of colleagues’
poor behavior and even from the organization itself.
• They help to train and develop employees who are consistent with
the needs of the organization.
• They help employees receive adequate and fair compensation.
• They help to maintain discipline in the workplace, and
• They provide paid vacations and holidays to eligible employees.

5. 15 Essential HR Policies
• At-Will Employment Policy
This policy reiterates that both an employer and
employee can terminate the employment
relationship at any time and for any reason,
providing said reason is lawful. You should aim to
prominently display this statement in the
beginning of your employee handbook
• 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.

6. • Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy
These are always governed by federal, state, and
local provisions, so it is important to review the
applicable laws and account for all the
appropriate protections when stipulating this
policy.
• Meal and Break Periods Policy
A clear 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

7. • Sexual Harassment Policy
Safeguard your company by clearly
communicating zero-tolerance guidelines for
unwanted, unwelcome, or inappropriate sexual
comments or actions.
• Leave and Time-Off Benefits Policy
These policies should address your organization’s
rules and procedures regarding holidays,
vacation, sick, and all other types of time off
benefits

8. • Timekeeping and Pay Policy
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.
• Safety and Health Policy
These policies describe the safety and emergency
procedures of the workplace and require employees to
report any work-related injuries immediately.

9. • Employee Conduct, Attendance, and
Punctuality Policy
Attendance policies clearly 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.

10. • Weapons in the Workplace Policy (or Zero
Tolerance for Workplace Violence)
• Remote Workers Policy
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy
• Social Media Policy
• Drug and Alcohol Policy
• Updated Confidentiality Policy