Take a Fresh Look at Company Policies and Procedures
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Some company policies and procedures are such overkill that the employee manual stands
five inches thick.
One look at the content shows the employees page after page of potential infractions that have
various levels of punishment associated. Many companies go a little overboard because, unfortunately, they have been burned one too many times and now assume that most people cannot be trusted.
Whether
providing company guidelines to a new employee or trying to rebuild moral with existing employees, take a fresh look at your existing policies and procedures.
Rather than create a book of do's and don'ts so intense that employees feel intimidated and
untrusted, create your book of policies and procedures that lists only the minimum number of rules needed to protect the company legally and to create a work environment that is well managed.
Educate your
employees about the company rules and provide opportunity for questions and clarification. Ensure that each manager understands the policies in depth and that they apply the rules fairly to all
employees.
Rather than assume each employee is determined to break company rules, address improper
behavior only on an individual basis with appropriate counseling and disciplinary action, if needed.
By not establishing a negative environment or a sense of being guilty
before proven innocent, your organization will enjoy an improved work environment.
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