Running a growing business can often mean that things such as updating your HR policies get left behind. Clear and up to date HR policies help you set clear boundaries about what you expect from your employees, they help to ensure a happy and productive workforce and can avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.
A lot has changed in the workplace over the last two years and policies that are outdated won’t reflect well on you as business. By ensuring that your policies have the latest up to date employment law and reflect how you want to operate as a business, will help improve operational efficiencies and keep you legally compliant.
Here are five reasons why your business may need to update its HR policies:
- Changes to employment law
Employment laws and regulations are ever-changing so it’s important that your HR policies reflect these. For example, recently the government have proposed that employees can request flexible working from day one of employment so this now needs to be included.
2. Following a policy violation
When there’s been an incident or violation to one of your policies, it’s good to consider whether your documents are clear and fair for everyone in the workplace.
3. Changes to your business
As your business changes, so should your HR policies. If you have moved office, have different working from home arrangements following the pandemic, or you have changed your organisational structure, then these need to be reflected in your HR policy.
4. External digital changes
The fast growth in technology means that employers need to be mindful that their policy reflects the latest digital advances. This includes the use of email, social media, mobile phone and data security. This is particularly important for people working from home and making sure that policies are still adhered to regardless of where your staff are working.
5. A new year
Make a habit of reviewing your HR policies at the start of each year. That way, you can be sure to ensure that they include your current business operations, values and changes to employment law.
If you’re a little unsure of what should be included, here’s a quick checklist of what should be included in every HR policy, but remember that every business is different and may need other inclusions:
- Disciplinary and Dismissal policy
- Grievance Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
- Equal Opportunities
- Sickness and leave of absence
- Flexible Working
- Training and Development
- Bullying and Harassment
- Code of conduct
- Internet and email
- Drug and Alcohol
- Social media
- Privacy policy
Don’t leave your HR policies to gather dust. Make them an active and ever-evolving document as part of your business growth.
If you need help reviewing your existing HR policies, or even creating one from scratch, contact our team today.
