I can tell you right now that if you visit most businesses and ask to see their company or business policies document they might not have any. Mostly things are done verbally and are subject to spot changes depending on the mood of the business owner(s). It is not surprising to even find that employees might have never signed any employee contract. Thus you will find employees can be fired anyhow and they will do nothing about it. This stems from the lack of well laid out company policies that should act as a point of reference. It really is not rocket science to come up with company or business policies; let us talk about that in this article. I will discuss some of the policies that any business must draft. Bear in mind these are examples and applications may differ from business to business.
Confidentiality
Essentially when one is employed they might have access to confidential components including data, materials, products, technology, passwords, access rights, computer programs, and financial information, amongst many others. This can be inevitable since it would be central to their effective discharge of duties. However, the employee would be obligated to not disclose, publish or otherwise reveal any of such confidential components. Exceptions would be premised on specific prior written authorisation of the company. Given how business competitors can pay people to steal such you must have a robust confidentiality policy.
Conflict Of Interest
This policy will detail any issues regarding any possible engagements by an employee which may result in a conflict of interest. This usually also involves the divulging of confidential information or any activities that may constitute a conflict of interest. An example would be an employee doing a side business that deals in the same products the employer deals in. That would be regarded as a conflict of interest. Another example would be that a company can disallow an employee from working for a competitor whilst still being employed by them. If allowed there could be an arrangement where the employee would have to sign a non-compete or non-disclosure agreement.
Code Of Conduct
Code conduct can entail quite a broad range of things. They are usually guidelines that inform on appropriate employee conduct. It usually also includes courses of action that will be taken if someone violates the code of conduct. Those will be things such as warnings or expulsions.
Substance Abuse
This can at times be included under the code of conduct but it can alternatively be dealt with separately. This policy would detail guidelines on how employees should behave regarding substance abuse. Things like consuming alcohol at the workplace or reporting for work drunk are not acceptable. Given how some people struggle with addictions the policy can also outline how employees with addictions can be anonymously helped.
Dress Code
Some businesses do not really mind what one reports for work dressed in. However, there is usually a general set of guidelines a company or business must stipulate regarding dress code. Usually, employees that interact directly with customers might be required to wear a branded uniform or a certain dress code that is uniform. Some employers can indicate that certain days are formal whilst others are for casual or smart casual. Generally, dress code is expected to be mainly decent and representative of a decent and well-mannered brand.
Computer Use
There are aspects of this that can be covered under confidentiality but it can still stand alone. You could detail how employees ought to responsibly use computers, the internet, and other related programs and devices at work. In most cases, you will find that employers would want employees to keep the personal use of such at a minimum or zero. Usually, the two overall objectives of this policy are to encourage employees to be productive and to respect data privacy.
Equal Opportunity
This basically deals with rules that uphold equal and fair treatment of employees at work. This means things like discrimination and prejudice based on factors such as gender, race, culture, and religion, amongst others are to be discouraged. Such guidelines are normally meant to regulate the conduct of not only superiors towards employees but also employees on other employees.
Attendance And Time Off
This outlines the framework that governs employees’ work schedules. This will include things like working hours, taking off days, leave days, overtime and so on. Obviously, it will also include consequences or possible actions to take when the guidelines are violated.
So these are 8 examples of policies you must draft for your business. You must refer to related legislation in coming up with these policies. For instance, you will have to refer to the Labour Act so that you do not come up with policies that are at variance with the law. Having laid out and written down business or company policies not only protects employees and customers but also your business. It is important, especially when hiring employees to make sure they are conversant with the policies before signing on for their jobs. Even when dealing with customers, where applicable, make sure they know your policies. It can be wise to engage legal counsel in drafting these policies.