Should you use “off the shelf” policies?

​​Are workplace policies really necessary?

As a business owner, creating workplace policies is not the most exciting use of your time, but I’m sure you’ll agree, they are necessary.
Policies help people within the organisation know what is expected of them, how they should behave and what they will be held accountable for.
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The guidelines and parameters set out in policies help you achieve your:

• Desired workplace culture
• Organisational vision, mission, and strategic objectives

​By outlining the organisation’s rules, standards, responsibilities, processes, values and behaviours they increase:

• Consistency
• Accountability
• Legal compliance
• Adherence to business processes
• The ability to manage and navigate difficult circumstances and crises
• Your chance of defending employee claims

​Should I use “off the shelf” policies?

“Off the shelf” policies can be tempting to use. After all, they save time, don’t they?

Yes and no.
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There is nothing wrong with using off the shelf policies as a starting point or template. The key is, they must be customised and tailored to the needs of your business.

Your business is unique….your business processes, your desired workplace culture, your organisation structured.
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Your policies should be customised to your uniqueness.

​What’s important?

Here are some pointers to ensure you are getting the best out of your policies.
Your policies should be:

• Clear, concise and easy to read and understand
• Written in plain language
• Related to your business
• Reviewed at regular intervals, don’t “set & forget”

​It’s not about ticking a box

Even if you have a policy, you may not be compliant.

You must:

• Communicate the policies and any updates
• Ensure employees are trained
• Keep managers and employees accountable for following the policies standards and guidelines because policies are not worth anything if we accept behaviour that goes against them
• Ensure they are aligned to your business processes, structure and culture

​Need help customising policies?

​Free up your day by outsourcing the creation and/or customisation of your policies to an HR expert.

​About Concept HR Services

​We provide HR services to small and medium businesses.
Work with one HR Consultant who knows you, your people and your business.
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