Common Human Resources PoliciesBusiness owners and managers can all agree that policies help ensure that employees are treated fairly while still ensuring that everyone is able to openly and freely discuss when problems occur. Each individual business has several specific policies that pertain directly to their business, but there are several policies that are almost universal and should never be overlooked. You are free to customize these human resources policies to fit your exact needs, but it is not advisable to omit them from your business. First, you should heavily consider implementing an open door policy. This type of human resource policy states that if there is a problem, employees are able to openly discuss the issues with upper management without fear of recourse. This means if Angela in accounting does not get along with Brian in sales, she does not have to fear retaliation for speaking to a supervisor about the problem. It also means that if Angela or Brian have suggestions on how the business could improve they are able to bring those suggestions to management's attention.
Another essential human resources policy is a zero tolerance for discrimination. Regardless of whether the discrimination occurs over racial borders, or even gender lines it is never a pleasant experience and can quickly create major chaos and problems in the workplace. Getting a complaint about any form of discrimination should be a problem that is avoided, and when it does occur, it is swiftly and quickly resolved to the best of everyone's ability. You should carefully consider all employees feelings and positions when you consider not implementing this policy. Your next essential human resources policy should be a zero tolerance for sexual harassment. This is a policy that protects you in so many ways legally. Many sexual harassment lawsuits have been filed in courts that name not only the harasser but also the employer because they allowed the harassment to continue. This is certainly not the legal position that anyone wants to be in, but it can quickly occur if someone is not careful about what they do, and does not move quick enough to ensure that problems are resolved. Avoiding legal problems while ensuring your business is a good place to work should be the ultimate goal of your human resources department. The human resources policies should always reflect those goals while making your business look open and inviting to employees. You will likely need to revise and change policies until they are perfect for your business but it is well worth the time and effort it will take. Never stop revising the policies until you are sure that you are satisfied with the end result, and even then, a revision may be necessary to ensure your human resources policies stay up to date. |