The workplace has evolved quite a bit over the past 5–10 years. But have your company policies changed with the times? If your employee rule book is currently collecting dust on the shelf, it may be time to take it down, brush it off and re-visit some of the policies you expect employees to uphold. You should keep your policies modern and applicable to today’s workforce.
Which Policies Should You Revise?
You’ll want to review your employee handbook and discard any policies that simply no longer apply. If you don’t have policies for any of the following, you may want to create them:
Ethics and Code of Conduct
Business ethics—and policies to uphold them—are key to helping your business maintain its integrity and reputation. For this reason, most companies maintain a policy that requires employees to report any unethical business practices they may see happening around them. An ethics policy can also include rules that protect employees against harassment, bullying and unfair treatment by managers or colleagues. It’s important to make sure your company policy includes rules that keep everyone safe and happy.
Social Media
If your company has a social media page, or even if it doesn’t, it’s a good idea to create company policies about employees’ use of social media. For example, if your staff members identify themselves as employees of your business on a social media site, it’s important to create rules for the types of information they can and cannot share.
Internet and Cell Phone Usage
Almost everyone has a cell phone that they keep with them at all times—and these handy devices can be very distracting at work. You may want to create a policy that states when during the day it’s acceptable for employees to surf the Internet, take personal calls, etc.
Dress Code
Many companies are loosening up their dress code to help employees stay comfortable at work. If you don’t already, you may choose to allow dress down days or a more relaxed dress code, if possible. It can create a warmer, friendlier atmosphere with customers or patients, and it can improve employee morale and productivity, as well.
The standard 9–5 shift can be a hurdle to employees when trying to fulfill their responsibilities outside the office. Many companies are offering flexible scheduling, allowing employees to shift their work hours to a schedule that is more accommodating to their families and home life. Another popular option, if it’s available, is allowing employees to work from home.
Modern Policies Can Add to Job Satisfaction and Productivity
Great company cultures breed happy, productive workers. And your employee policies have a big impact on the culture of your company. So when deciding how to revise your handbook, it can help to think about the kind of culture you’d like to maintain—then create policies that match.
Fill in Your Staffing Gaps
If you’ve found yourself short-handed or in need of supplemental staff, just contact Snelling Georgia Group. Our staffing experts will work with you to devise a plan that will meet your individual business needs. To learn more, contact Snelling Georgia Group today.
