Employee Policy

Tips on developing an employee policy

Planning - before introducing a new employee policy plan the following:

  • What it's purpose, how will your employee policy work.
  • Give someone overall responsibility for the employee policy in your business.
  • Consider any potential costs and the time it will take.

Research – the subject of any new employee policy, it must meet the specific needs of your business and not be unlawfully or discriminatory. It may also need to tie in with your disciplinary procedures, employee contracts and other policies.

Preparing – any employee policy changes are more likely to be accepted by staff if they are involved in the process.

Developing – remember, with any new employee policy it’s important to strike a balance between control and practicality.

Changing - check when changing any employee policy that it doesn’t touch on any contractual issues. Employees must agree to contractual changes unless their contracts allow you to make variations. If you fail to get employees' agreement, they could be entitled to sue for breach of contract, or resign and claim constructive dismissal.

Implementing – decide how your employee policy will be communicated to staff, this may include the following methods:

  • displayed on notice boards
  • added to the company network or intranet
  • given by presentation or with training
  • included in a staff handbook
  • emailed to staff or sent as a letter

Reviewing – set up a system to monitor and maintain employee policy. See that someone is responsible for implementing and monitoring your employment policies, keep them under review and up to date.

Encourage feedback- staff feedback will help to check your employee policy:

  • is not damaging business by being restrictive as to be unworkable
  • is easily available to everyone