The must-have policies for your workplace

Best practice for new employees is to induct them into your organisation and provide them with a copy of your workplace policies and procedures.

Workplace policies and procedures guide various aspects of the business, outlining clear expectations and providing a consistent approach to managing workplace issues.

The must-have policies for your workplace are:

1. Code of Conduct a.k.a. “Code of Conduct & Ethics” or Appropriate Workplace Conduct Policy

2. Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Policy, highlighting any potential workplace risks or hazards.

3. Anti-Discrimination Policy, promoting equal employment opportunity.

4. Privacy Policy, regarding the protection or disclosure of an employee’s personal details.

5. Leave Policy, outlining the guidelines and requirements for accessing leave entitlements.

6. Complaints & Grievances Policy, with options for conflict resolution and employee assistance.

7. Performance Management Policy, outlining the process for performance management, counselling and discipline of employees.

8. IT and Social Media Policy, appropriate use of tech and online platforms

WHS

Your WHS Policy will be an umbrella for several essential policies, such as:

• Bullying & Harassment Policy, including sexual harassment.

• Family & Domestic Violence Policy, including how you will respond to disclosure.

• Mentally Healthy Workplace Policy, promoting employee wellbeing and providing support.

• Pandemic Policy, preventing and responding to an outbreak, including infection control.

• Building Evacuation Policy, including your safety procedure for an emergency evacuation.

• Mandatory Reporting, notifying the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction of certain health and safety incidents.

Anti-Discrimination

• Disability Access and Inclusion Policy, promoting equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

• Diversity Policy, promoting gender parity and cultural diversity.

Some policies such as Family & Domestic Violence and others may fall under both WHS and Anti-Discrimination policies.

Are your policies relevant and appropriate to your particular workplace?

You should regularly review your policies and procedures to ensure compliance with current employment legislation.

Your policies also need to reflect your unique workplace culture. For example, some workplaces may choose to include policies around

• Workplace Fatigue

• LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

• Vaccination

• Working from Home

• Sustainability

• Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs

• Use of Company Property

As your workplace culture evolves, your HR policies should follow suit.

Checklists & Information Sheets

To ensure procedural compliance, HR managers should implement checklists. For example:

• Recruitment checklists

• Probation checklist

• Onboarding checklist

• Termination checklist

• Pandemic prevention and response checklist

• Industry-specific checklists (e.g. Aged Care Quality & Safety Standards)

Managers also need to provide staff with information, such as an employee handbook including policies, procedures and additional resources. For example:

• Equal Employment Opportunity

• Employee Assistance Program

• Hygiene & Infection Control

• WHS for Remote Employees

Don’t assume that your managers and staff already know the policies and procedures

Any time that you review and update your policies and procedures, make sure that all employees understand the changes. Running a refresher training or info session is the best way to ensure that your staff are well informed.

WorkPlacePLUS can develop or review your policies and procedures, ensuring that all protocols reflect your unique workplace culture and comply with current regulations. We can also educate your staff on important updates and help to address any questions or concerns they may have.

Read about the Essential HR Toolkit >

For more information, please contact us today.