Today, workplaces are changing and so are the workplace policies that reflect the company culture and environment. Updating HR policies and procedures from time to time is a must to keep the prospective employees and clients informed about the recent developments in and around the organization. Moreover, addressing the latest trends by adopting new policies and updating the existing ones can support setting clear boundaries, preventing workplace misunderstandings, and creating a peaceful, protected company atmosphere.
In this blog, we will have a quick look at the 15 most important HR Policies that every company must have to meet the needs for cultural diversity, ethics, and workforce training required in the workplace, thereby fulfilling its commitments related to employee regulation and corporate governance.
Let’s first discuss the two main types of HR policies and procedures shortly.
Types of HR policies:
I. General Policies
This is the category of company policies that every organization requires and therefore, must have! These HR policies are normally formulated by the senior managers/leaders of the company.
II. Specific Policies
These kinds of policies are formulated to resolve specific issues/concerns that arise in an organization. Such HR policies are unique to organizational needs & circumstances, and are specially crafted by the HR department.
Now, it’s time to throw some light on the talked-about 15 policies:
1. Rewards & Recognition Policy
The R&R policy is an employee appreciation initiative designed to build and promote a culture of acknowledgement and appreciation in the organization.
2. At Will Employment Policy
This policy states that both the employer and the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any point of time and without giving an explanation, providing said reason is lawful.
3. Business Travel Policy
The Business Travel Policy is created to facilitate and provide reimbursements to its employees who undertake travel for business needs.
4. Health & Safety Policy
This variety of policies describes the safety and emergency procedures of the workplace and states that employees can report any work-related injuries immediately under certain regulations.
5. Claim Reimbursement Policy
The purpose of claim reimbursement policy is to facilitate and provide reimbursements to employees who incur necessary expenses as a result of business requirement.
6. Termination Policy
This policy helps employers and employees to follow the correct procedures during the exit process of a professional as per the applicable laws so that the parting employee is relieved smoothly.
7. Dress Code Policy
The main purpose of introducing the dress code policy is to ensure that all employees are dressed professionally and maintain personal hygiene and grooming while at work to support the decency of the workplace.
8. Leave Policy
Ensuring that employees have a healthy work life balance, and the leave policy is an endeavor to facilitate and provide its employees an opportunity to maintain balance between work and their personal lives.
9. Code of Conduct Policy
The code of conduct policies of a company are written with the vision, ethics and the mission of the organization. Created to build and maintain the right business environment for employees, these HR policies state the rules (Dos & Don’ts) of work that the employees of the company need to abide by.
The performance management policy is written to specify the productivity & performance-related expectations of the employer from its employees. Moreover, this policy contains the performance appraisal and promotion guidelines that the employer is bound to perform on the basis of results.
11. Work From Home Policy
The recently introduced WFH or work from home policy is an agreement between the employer and the employee to grant permission to employees to work from home as and when required. It should clearly state the eligibility, work timings, deliverables, and mode of attendance regularization.
Looking at the current scenario of a global pandemic, i.e., COVID-19, this policy holds a special place to ensure employee well-being.
12. Salary Advance Policy
The salary advance policy gives guidelines regarding the criteria that an employee must follow if he/she seeks financial assistance from the employer and requests a part of his/her salary in advance (before pay day), if needed.
13. Time & Attendance Policy
Punctuality and regular attendance are essential to ensure optimal productivity and customer service. The time & attendance policy is formulated in order to achieve these goals. It states that the employees are required to maintain a satisfactory record of attendance.
14. Timesheet Management Policy
The TSM policy is a general HR policy that outlines the guidelines for employees to execute their tasks within the stipulated time to accomplish the goals and objectives of the company timely.
15. Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy
This particular policy is formulated to legally prohibit harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender, caste, class, creed, or any other societal division at the workplace. It is governed by the local & state laws.
Some additional forms, documents, and manuals that are extremely crucial for every business are as follows:
| 1. Employment contracts |
| 2. Hiring and joining forms |
| 3. Company property receipts |
| 4. Accommodation request forms |
| 5. Leave of absence |
6. Business expense receipts | 7. Business performance reports | 7. Handbook acknowledgements |
Conclusion
This blog simply gives an overview of the most commonly used policies and documents in an organization. Now, depending on the size, type, and industry of your company, you may decide whether to provide additional written information to employees or not. When making these decisions, also consider your business practices and all the applicable national, state, and local laws.