What are workplace policies?

Workplace policies often reinforce and clarify standard operating procedures in a workplace. Well developed policies, in conjunction with clearly documented position descriptions, assist employers to manage people effectively by defining unacceptable and acceptable behaviour in the workplace as well as outlining the implications of not complying with those policies.

A workplace policy consists of a statement of purpose and one or more broad guidelines or action to be taken to achieve that purpose. The statement of purpose should rarely exceed one page in length and should be written in simple terms free of jargon. The length of the policy may vary depending on the issue it addresses.

What are the benefits of having workplace policies?

Clearly documented workplace policies:

• provide consistency with the values of the organisation and employment legislation
• demonstrate that the organisation is being operated in an efficient and business like manner
• ensure uniformity and consistency in decision-making and operational procedures
• add strength to the business when possible legal actions arise
• reduce time involvement when a new problem can be handled quickly and effectively through an existing policy
• foster stability and continuity by maintaining the governing actions of individuals in the organisation even during periods of change
• provide the framework for business planning and assessment of performance by establishing responsibilities, accountabilities and clarification of functions