How to Write Policies and Procedures for Your Business
A well-written employee manual lets your employees know what's expected of them and what they can expect of you.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Involve front-line managers in putting together a policy and procedure manual, as they will be administering the policies.
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Include statements that show your commitment to applicable state and federal laws in areas such as new hire reporting, equal employment opportunity, exempt and non-exempt employees, harassment, wages, and antidiscrimination.
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Discuss mandated benefits such as social security; worker's compensation; unemployment; military, jury and family leave; and school visitation rights.
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4
Outline company policies, such as time-keeping; pay schedule; confidential information; use of mail, phone and e-mail privileges; probation period; performance reviews; and standards of conduct.
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Offer information on benefits, such as holidays, vacation, retirement plans, insurance, leaves of absence and stock options.
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6
Replace don'ts with dos. Use positive statements to describe company policies - instead of telling employees what they can't do, emphasize what they're expected to do.
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Write clearly and keep the list of dos and don'ts reasonably short. Too much legal jargon will confuse your employees.
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Have an employment law attorney review your manual before you issue it. This can save you thousands of dollars by protecting you from lawsuits down the road.
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Tips & Warnings
Have employees read your policy manual from cover-to-cover and have them sign a statement saying they have done so to avoid later confusion.
Be careful in your use of language; you don't want to inadvertently create a legally binding contract. Avoid using words like "always." Use "generally" and "usually" instead. Leave room for the exceptions to the rule.
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Comments
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amyc3364
Mar 24, 2008
Hello Out There! I need to write a policy and procedures manual for a company that owns, builds and manages multiple hotels, any suggestions on the best software for this purpose? Thanks! -
amyc3364
Mar 24, 2008
Hello Out There! I need to write a policy and procedures manual for a company that owns, builds and manages multiple hotels, any suggestions on the best software for this purpose? Thanks!
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Aug 08, 2006
When writing a policy always include: - What the context/purpose of the policy is. - Who it applies to/does not apply to. - Effective date. - Policy owner's name (the person who takes final decisions about the application of the policy). - Contact person's name and details.
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Aug 08, 2006
When writing a policy always include: - What the context/purpose of the policy is. - Who it applies to/does not apply to. - Effective date. - Policy owner's name (the person who takes final decisions about the application of the policy). - Contact person's name and details.
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Jun 30, 2006
When writing a policy always include:What the context/purpose of the policy is.Who it applies to/does not apply to.Effective date.Policy owner's name (the person who takes final decisions about the application of the policy).Contact person's name and details.
