They are the framework and constraints within which everyone can strive for individual and collective success. Plus, you have the ability to create, edit, distribute and keep track of the receipt of all policies for your business. These days it’s common for some employees to work from home or remotely. Finding the best life insurance company can be challenging, especially since the advantages one company over another are not immediately obvious. Get clear explanations of the most common HR terms. New laws focused on family leave, marijuana use and firearms may require you to update company policies. Banish the blank page for good with our 1000+ HR templates. Protect your company’s reputation and legal status by creating a social media policy that empowers your employees to share messages in a positive way while avoiding potential problems. Here are three of the best company policies that ambitious companies are adopting: 2016 was the tipping point for official social media policies: 51% of employees now report that their employers offer guidelines for using social media at work. One company may have several policies. Learn more about the features available and how they make each recruiting task easier. Procedures for each business can … Protect your company with a well-written policy that outlines the boundaries or security features you require, as well as procedures when employment ends. Besides, for anyone who has watched a few kids playing together it’s pretty obvious why rules are important. Our HR experts consistently monitor and add new policies for your use so you’re always in the best position to address emerging issues. Best Workplaces 7 Vacation Policies That Will Make Your Business a Better Place to Work From sabbaticals to paid honeymoons, here's a roundup of time-off policies to consider for your business. Be sure you have a policy to let employees know what to expect in case of an emergency. Remote work, technology, and engagement are hot topics in the New World of Work. Employees at Liberty Mutual say the company has "one of the best vacation time off" policies. Determining the best policies for your company can seem challenging at first. Workplace safety 4. They can set clear guidelines on what is and isn’t appropriate. Read the minds of our team of HR writers. In honor of Small Business Week, we've compiled a list of five terrible company policies that other businesses should try to avoid at all cost. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requires companies with 15 or more employees to provide certain accommodations for workers with disabilities to allow them to perform their jobs. Confidentiality policies might cover personal or proprietary data, prototypes, software, drawings, systems, methods, internal and external communications, and test results. Our New World of Work survey found a great deal of uncertainty about the road ahead, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Creating good policies takes time and effort, but you can increase your chances for success by remembering a few basics. Policies and procedures are typically bound into employee handbooks for efficient reference. Best Practices Successful Companies & Their Marketing Organizations are Putting into Practice. After writing, your documents should be reviewed, validated, and approved. 2016 data shows that more companies are embracing LGBTQ equality than ever before and inclusive hiring statements are on the rise. Industry insights, new tech and tools, step outside the day-to-day demands of HR and keep pace with a changing world. Here’s what to keep in mind when creating anti-discrimination policies that support LGBTQ employees: All these policies help you stand out as an employer. For Customers Doing Business with Your Company. Detail how you will communicate instructions and what the chain of command would be if your main office is closed. Policies are also guidelines for legal issues, regulatory requirements, and any situation that could lead to serious consequences. Companies with well-designed LGBTQ-friendly policies see clear business and recruiting sense in standing up for equality. Read our in-depth report. Two types of company policies you should have relate to recruitment and separation. An online company policies or employee handbook tool is a smart way to keep your rules and guidelines accessible. But that’s not all – there’s much, much more. Rules of conduct (such as taking personal calls or using cell phones), establish boundaries and prevent misunderstandings, reduce HR time spent managing questions about what is allowed, create consistency in how requests and benefits are handled, provide legal protections if your practices are ever challenged in court, Social Distancing and Protective Personal Equipment The overall purpose behind creating a business policy is to make a company run smoothly, efficiently and in a well-organized approach to get maximum business benefits and customer satisfaction. Code of ethics 2. Here’s what to keep in mind when creating your social media policy: COVID-19 has shifted the way we work – and some of it, permanently. A family leave policy doesn’t just consist of what you’d like to offer your staff — you also need comply with federal and state regulations. They can also improve the way your customers and staff deal with your business. Employers at Sparrows, an offshore oil and gas services company based in Scotland, sent an insane memo to their staff in 2013, informing them that milk, while still permitted on the premises, could no longer be used in cereal. Her background also includes B2B sales and marketing as well as firsthand experience as a small business owner.FUN FACT: Shanna’s all-time favorite sports team is the St. Louis Cardinals. Identify key processes and tasks in your business, and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each. In fact, under OSHA and various state laws, you are obligated to protect employees from workplace violence. Policies are to a company what rules are to the players of a game. Americas: +1 857 990 9675 And policies can help you avoid, or at least defend against, lawsuits. Get clear, concise, up-to-date advice with our practical, step-by-step guides. But it may not be appropriate for all workers. A company policy helps foster employee wellness, fair treatment, and to ensure that a company is following laws and regulations. Consider adding policies in these 10 key areas: In today’s workplace, many employees use their own cell phones, tablets and laptops both on and off the job. Sick leave (including what your business will do if there’s a major outbreak or pandemic like the influenza virus or most recently the COVID-19 crisis). While allowing employees to bring their own devices can reduce costs, it also creates potential security and legal compliance concerns. Although federal and state laws don’t require you to create an employee handbook or put all your policies in writing, doing so makes sound legal sense. Spell out how requests for accommodations should be made, including what information you require (such as any medical records) and to whom requests should be submitted. [COMING SOON]. When a company policy involves employees, it is likely to be overseen by either management or human resources. Keep in mind that, in many states, firearms are allowed in locked vehicles in the parking lot, regardless of workplace restrictions. They give employees the means to become more productive and engaged. Several federal laws require employers to protect workers from workplace harassment and discrimination. Every business should have some policies and procedures to govern their daily business operations and to protect the business and their employees. Your pre-writing activities include deciding on a document focus and researching background. Make sure to add our address smartapps@hrdirectapps.com to your contacts, so that our email won't end up in your spam folder. For a practical, online tool for creating, communicating and maintaining company policies, consider the Company Policies … Having well-written and up-to-date employee policies is more than a good business practice. If you have any drug-testing procedures in place, such as random testing, for-cause testing or post-accident testing, be sure you define them clearly. THE biggest and best variable data differentiator an insurance company can include is the expiration date of the recipient’s policy. Developing policies is an essential step for any new company, but it’s also important to understand that policies need to be monitored and updated. Establish when social media for personal use is allowed, what information is considered confidential, the brand guidelines for discussing company products or services, and rules of etiquette. It should specify the types of forbidden substances and conduct as well as the consequences for violating the policy. Ensure your policy avoids discrimination and enables you to end the ability to work remotely if necessary. Modern collaboration tools make working from home an attractive, cost-effective option for employees and employers alike. Though those form the basis of a functioning company, they may not be enough to create a happy workplace. Don’t be afraid to ask your employees for feedback on how you can better support them. Most employee handbooks include policies like anti-discrimination, confidentiality, code of conduct and attendance. These policies address a company's rules and procedures regarding holidays, vacation, sick, and other types of time off benefits, or leave required by law (such as voting leave, family leave, and domestic violence leave) or company policy. Does your parental leave policy avoid gender discrimination? Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! Today, this goes beyond the traditional language that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin or gender, and it may include sexual orientation, gender identity or age as well. Let’s take a closer look at the company policies every conscientious business should cover. What’s in, what’s out, and what’s around the corner—they’ve got the HR world covered. To help businesses navigate this new landscape, we’ve added new COVID-19 related policies to our Company Policies Smart App covering: Shanna supports legal research and content for the product development of next generation HR/compliance solutions at ComplyRight. Trends in new technology, device use, remote working and social media also require a closer look at confidentiality and other policies. Or talk to us about your hiring plans and discover how Workable can help you find and hire great people. The best company policies don’t police. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to have updated company policies that reflect what is happening in the workplace due to the COVID-19 emergency — and to communicate those policies electronically to reach the most employees. Include specific provisions for how to report behavior that violates your policies and a statement that ensures reporting such behavior is protected. Severe weather or natural disasters, ranging from hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods and fires, can happen nearly everywhere. It also helps put you on firm legal footing. These policies are a lot like terms and conditions and are used for the benefit of the company as a whole. Clearly define the types of actions that are considered discrimination or harassment (including sexual harassment) and what your policies for infractions are. Ready-to-go resources to support you through every stage of the HR lifecycle, from recruiting to retention. The cost of life insurance varies widely by company and product type; so when shopping for a policy you need to make sure to compare policies that are within your budget. Employee attendance and paid time off (including accrual or payouts of unused time. Remote work, digital transformation, and engagement are hot topics according to our new survey on the New World of Work. When creating your family leave policies, it’s important to avoid gender bias and offer leave equally to all sexes. Your business’s code of conduct is the first place employees should look when they have questions about ethics and compliance. But, they’re not the only ones. And the U.S. corporate world took note. WHS policies highlight safety procedures and the responsibilities of all employees to keep the workplace safe. May. Employees report they can receive four weeks of … The rules and norms governing the workplace are changing and employee manuals need to reflect the shifts that are happening. Privacy – Protect employees, the company and your customers by establishing a policy that encourages transparency and trust with your customers. Struggling with a task or project? Europe & Rest of World: +44 203 826 8149. Set exp… illegal to terminate employees due to their personal posts, more companies are embracing LGBTQ equality than ever before, inclusive hiring statements are on the rise. Nowadays, this means addressing gender equality issues, remote working arrangements, technology use, and drug and gun law matters. In response to last year’s tax reform legislation, the IRS updated the income-tax withholding tables for 2018. Make sure all employees receive original (and updated) company policies for total compliance and legal protection. It’s a roadmap of how they should act, and it speaks to your company culture.Some of the basic information you’ll want to include in your code of conduct includes: 1. In addition to these basic policies, you’ll want to make sure your company policies address some important workplace trends. A company policy is a guideline to help employer's dealing with employee accountability, health, safety, and interactions with customers. Here’s what to keep in mind when creating your work from home policy: LGBTQ rights were in the limelight this year. Attendance requirementsSpell it all out for your employees. More often than not, these policies are directed at the company employees. Now to create a policy, you could make use of these professional templates. Others provide writing tips that result in policies that are easier for your employees to understand and follow. Sign up for jargon-free hiring resources. However, if you don’t have some company policies, you may soon find yourself in a situation in which you wish you did. Ask questions, find answers, get tips, and dig deeper into our product. First, the basics. Today’s policies shouldn’t have different time-off allotments for male vs. female bonding of a new child. It’s best to check that this is the case in your IT environment as, if this account is enabled in your domain, disabling it will prevent people from abusing access: In Group Policy Management Editor (opened for a custom GPO), go to “Computer Configuration” “Windows Settings” “Security Settings” “Local Policies” “Security Options”. They give employees the means to become more productive and engaged. Most of the work happens before you ever begin to write. Even in states where concealed-carry weapons are legal, employers can prohibit employees from carrying weapons into the workplace premises or making threats against other employees. "The milk purchased by the company … Methodology . A drug-free workplace policy should strictly prohibit the sale, possession and use of illegal drugs or alcohol when an employee is on the job. Articulate strategy to strengthen the company’s agency model Check your state and local law to ensure all leave requirements are included in your employee handbook. By having policies and processes in place, you create standards and values for your business. For example, outline what is permitted (such as sharing new product photos or images from a company event) as well as what is not (such as pre-launch details, internal strategies or controversial political comments). More than 30 states allow medical marijuana use and 11 states, plus Washington D.C., permit recreational use. Credit – Determine the terms of opening an account and building good credit with your company. Our HR experts consistently monitor and add new policies for your use so you’re always in the best position to address emerging issues. She is a licensed attorney in Florida and Illinois. In addition, outlining your company policies in writing helps: There’s no need to worry about being on top of trending policies with the Company Policies Smart App. Dress code and grooming standards 3. Every company has its unique policy, and they have to follow some standard guidelines and set of rules, and for some, they are free to make them run in their own way. Company policies and procedures outline the way business is conducted within that organization, providing guidelines for both employees and managers. Though those form the basis of a functioning company, they may not be enough to create a happy workplace. Make sure your employees know that discrimination is illegal when you’re hiring, providing job assignments or offering promotions. 1. Take a look to see the recommended sample policies that don't sap employee spirits and steal their lives and private time. How will I know if a certain policy is the best choice for my employees? With new laws in many states that legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, your drug use policies may need updating. Remote work, technology, and engagement are hot topics in the New World of Work. Most employee handbooks include policies like anti-discrimination, confidentiality, code of conduct and attendance. For every hiring challenge, Workable has a solution. That way, agents know WHEN to hit homes with their mailers and people know by when they need to call for a quote. These guidelines shouldn’t be draconian, though. Check out our policies template library to begin building a complete employee handbook of your best company policies. 08, Company policy statements should be clear, specific and state consequences for infractions. Make sure your company policy defines disabilities and states your intent to comply with all applicable laws under the ADA. When clients are involved, policies are often handled by … 2020. While too much social media activity might hinder employee productivity, banning or monitoring personal social media use during working hours could create unnecessary resentment. Finding the best car insurance company for your needs and budget can be difficult. Be sure you have a policy that outlines who is eligible for remote working arrangements and what the limitations and expectations are. Knowing the right thing to do when it comes to managing a business isn’t always an easy task, but follow these 10 steps for business best practices and you’ll be on the right track: 1. Rules about facial hair Be specific in your policy and define what actions are restricted — from verbal threats to shoving — as well as the types of weapons not allowed on work premises, such as knives, guns or other firearms. In sensitive industries, you may need to ask employees to sign a confidentiality, non-disclosure or non-compete agreement. Connect with our team of Workable experts and other industry professionals. and they may pertain to issues involving clients or employees. We couldn't sign you up. The best company policies don’t police. Please report this error to support@hrdirectapps.zendesk.com, Learn the Essentials of Human Resources Recordkeeping Through the. Workplace injuries can affect your business in a number of ways including decreased productivity, sick pay obligations and the cost of finding a replacement. A company confidentiality policy helps protect customer data, trade secrets, procedures and information about new products or services. Start hiring now with a 15-day free trial. These policies, procedures, and checklists successfully recognize the limits of providing employees proper guidance for appropriate behavior at work and draw a line between that and employee lives outside of the workplace. policies your company needs and identifying when those policies should be updated. Don’t let jargon stand between you and your to-do list. Organize Company Policies Easily. 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