Choosing The Right Path
Employee Handbooks & Company Policies
We have returned to working with HR Dept Solent following a period with another HR provider. We prefer the 'hands on' approach rather than virtual assistance. The team are always very supportive, responsive and professional. It has been a pleasure to re-engage with them. As an SME their dedicated guidance and support is invaluable.Julie,
We started using HR Dept last year and are very happy with the support and advice we receive. I like the system they have set up, and they cover all our requirements as and when the need arises.Raymond,
Professional and responsive, HR Dept have provided us with excellent HR advice and guidance.Townsend House Medical Centre,
Our staff HR training was facilitated by Ryan Gay, owner of the HR Dept Exeter. Ryan's excellent expertise and experience in the sector was invaluable and provided reassurance to the staff team who can often feel overwhelmed or anxious about HR related issues which are often complex and multi-faceted. Ryan's delivery and interaction with the group allowed for openness and transparency within the discussion and encouraged engagement. Staff fed back that the training was excellent and came away feeling more knowledgeable and confident in tackling HR concerns and in asking for help from our experts, the HR Dept (Exeter).Sarah,
Documenting the rules of your business
As your business grows, you’ll need company policies and procedures in place to communicate the rules of your organisation to employees. We will tailor these for you so that as each new hire comes onboard, your procedures clearly communicate how your business operates and your policies set out expectations for behaviour.
A lack of company policies can expose your business to high-risk legal situations with employees. So, it’s vital to ensure that your procedures are legally compliant, and your expectations are officially documented and well communicated to your workforce.
There are many different types of policies that you might want to implement for your business. We are happy to explain the differences and walk you through the process from start to end.
Need help with handbooks and polcies?
Discrimination – Promoting equality and diversity
Everyone in your business has a legal right to be protected from any form of discrimination. Creating an environment where everyone is valued and treated equally will bring huge benefits to the business.
Whether making a reasonable adjustment to cater for a disability, looking after a pregnant employee or managing cultural differences, we can help. Discrimination claims have unlimited fines and require no length of service, so getting the right policies in place is important.
Family-friendly policies – Implementing flexible working
Supporting new parents in taking the appropriate time off and ensuring they aren’t forgotten isn’t just compassionate, it’s a minimum legal requirement. Considering flexible options for employees with family commitments can help you keep great skills and experience within your company. But if an employee is looking for an arrangement that might disadvantage your business, it can be difficult to know where to draw the boundaries. The HR Dept can help you find your way through questions relating to maternity, paternity and adoption.
Other company policy examples include stress in the workplace, anti-harassment, driving or operating a company vehicle, working alone, CSR, environmental, sickness and attendance, performance and capability.
Up next read more about health and safety.
Employee handbook and company policies FAQ
The main purpose of an employee handbook is to set out work policies and procedures so that your employees are up to speed with how your business is run, along with all the necessities, such as information about reporting absences, maternity/paternity, bereavement leave, data protection and a lot more.
Employee handbooks are especially useful for new employees, as they can have a copy of the handbook and get a full rundown of your business, as well as answers to any business-related questions they may have.
Nothing is stopping you from writing your own employee handbook, though we advise against it. It is one of the many things in HR that’s better left to the professionals.
Company policies included in an employee handbook need to be expertly drafted to ensure they meet the requirements of a company, as well as the legal requirements set out by the government.
There are several characteristics of a good workplace policy. You know when a policy is good when it has the following qualities:
- It is jargon-free and written using simple language.
- The procedures are well-defined. They should have clear instructions to indicate how the policy should be carried out.
- The policy should consider the benefits of the employees — the rules should be fair.
- It should be easy for employees to understand, making sure they can easily follow the rules.
- It should be totally restrictive. Where possible, the policy should give the employees options to give them a sense of ownership.
The policies a company needs will vary, depending on the culture, legislative environment and also industry. However, these policies are must-haves for most companies:
- Code of Conduct
- Policy on Equality
- Policy on privacy and Data Protection
- Policy on Use of social media and the Internet
- Policy on Working Times, Pay, Absences and Holidays
Companies should always introduce policies based on company and job-specific risk assessment.
They should be regularly reviewed, and if necessary, new ones should be implemented when there is a change to the workplace or environment.
Other services you may be interested in
Starting out
Choosing The Right Path
Navigating Problems
Changing Course
End Of The Road
