Company policies are guidelines that outline the practices and procedures of an organization. They set expectations for employee conduct, actions, and processes. Company policies are essential as they ensure consistency, promote equality, increase efficiency, and help with compliance.  

Many businesses, especially smaller organizations, neglect to get the fundamentals down in writing early. There’s a tendency to say that “we don’t need them” and that word of mouth is good enough. 

Publishing company policies make them official and authoritative. Workers will know what the company takes seriously and how they can keep up to date with their rights and responsibilities.  

Why is having accessible company policies an incredibly wise idea? 

They establish clear expectations. 

Policies provide clear guidelines for employees regarding their behavior, performance, and responsibilities. They provide a framework for understanding what is acceptable and what is not within the organization. This clarity helps employees understand their roles and responsibilities, reduces ambiguity, and promotes consistency in decision-making. 

Company policies promote consistency and fairness. 

They help prevent favoritism, discrimination, and bias by providing standardized procedures and rules for various aspects of employment, such as recruitment, compensation, promotions, and disciplinary actions. This consistency builds trust among employees and reduces the potential for conflicts and grievances. 

They mitigate legal and compliance risks. 

Company policies help organizations comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. They provide guidance on legal requirements, such as workplace safety, equal employment opportunities, data protection, and ethical practices. By aligning with local, national, or global legal and regulatory frameworks, companies can minimize the risk of lawsuits, fines, reputational damage, and other legal consequences. 

Policies protect company assets and interests. 

Policies help safeguard the company's assets, including intellectual property, confidential information, and physical resources e.g., data security policies outline how sensitive information should be handled and protected. Additionally, policies related to equipment usage, internet access, and social media usage can prevent misuse and protect the company's reputation and resources. 

A framework that supports a positive work culture. 

Well-defined policies contribute to a positive work culture by promoting respect, professionalism and ethical behavior. They communicate the company's values and expectations, fostering a productive and inclusive work environment. Policies can address topics such as anti-harassment, diversity and inclusion, code of conduct, and conflict resolution, creating a supportive atmosphere for employees. 

What company policies do I need? 

Your company policies will depend on your industry, company size, location, and specific organizational needs. However, there are some common policies that are widely adopted by many companies. For example: 

• Code of Conduct/Ethics: This policy identifies the expected standards of behavior for employees, outlining principles of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. It guides employees on issues such as conflicts of interest, bribery, discrimination, harassment, and confidentiality. 
• Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination: These policies aim to prevent and address harassment and discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation and identity. They define what constitutes harassment or discrimination, outline reporting procedures, and establish consequences for violations. 
• Acceptable Use Policy: This outlines guidelines for the appropriate use of company technology resources, including computers, internet, email, and software. It defines acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, addresses data security, and emphasizes the importance of respecting privacy and intellectual property rights. 
• Data Privacy and Security: With the increasing emphasis on data protection, companies implement policies to safeguard sensitive information, including customer data, employee records, and proprietary information. These policies establish protocols for data handling, storage, access, and security measures to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. 
• Remote Work/Working from Home: As remote work becomes more prevalent, companies are adopting policies that define expectations, guidelines, and responsibilities for remote workers. These policies cover topics such as work hours, communication protocols, equipment usage, data security, and performance evaluation. 
• Employee Leave and Time Off: Policies related to employee leave, such as vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and bereavement leave, outline eligibility, entitlements, procedures for requesting leave, and guidelines for approval. These policies ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance with applicable laws. 
• Social Media Policy: With the widespread use of social media, companies establish policies that define appropriate behavior, usage guidelines, and disclosure requirements for employees' personal and professional social media activities. They address issues like confidentiality, defamation, and representing the company online. 
• Health and Safety: Health and safety policies aim to create a safe work environment and prevent accidents or injuries. They cover topics such as emergency procedures, equipment usage, workplace hazards, reporting incidents, and employee well-being. 

What should I include in my company policies? 

A company policy template typically includes the following sections: 

Policy Title and Introduction: Clearly state the title of the policy and provide a brief introduction that explains the purpose and scope of the policy. 

Policy Scope: Provide a clear and concise statement that outlines the policy's objectives and the expected behavior or actions of employees. 

Definitions: Define any key terms or concepts used in the policy to ensure clarity and understanding. 

Policy Details: This section is the main body of the policy and should include the following components: 

• Policy Coverage: Specify who the policy applies to, such as all employees, contractors, or specific departments. 
• Policy Guidelines: Clearly state the rules, expectations, and procedures related to the specific policy. Use bullet points or numbered lists for clarity. 
• Responsibilities: Outline the responsibilities of different stakeholders, such as employees, managers, HR (Human Resources), and other relevant parties, in implementing and enforcing the policy. 
• Procedures: Provide step-by-step instructions or guidelines for carrying out specific actions or complying with the policy. This may include reporting procedures, request processes, or disciplinary measures. 
• Compliance: Explain the consequences of non-compliance with the policy, including potential disciplinary actions or legal implications. 

Related Policies and References: Provide a list of any related policies, procedures, or documents that are referenced within the policy. This helps employees access additional information or context when needed. 

Approval and Review: Specify the process for policy approval, including the roles or individuals responsible for reviewing and authorizing the policy. Also, indicate how often the policy will be reviewed and updated to ensure relevance and compliance. 

Effective Date: Clearly state the date when the policy goes into effect. 

Contact Information: Provide contact details for employees to seek clarification, ask questions, or report concerns related to the policy. 

One of the key use cases for an intranet is providing a centrally- controlled library for company policies and procedures. Senior management can feel comfortable knowing that staff are accessing a single version of the truth. A good policy library not only provides easy access for staff, but also supports content owners in ensuring only the very latest versions of documents are accessible. 

Want to learn more about how a GreenOrbit Intranet helps with publishing and accessing your company policies, please contact a consultant for a discussion and personalised demo.