Office Policy: Make It Legal, Make It Fair, Make It Clear

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In today’s work environment, it is especially important to have a clear office policy in place. The key to the effective use of the office policy is to administer it consistently and equally to all employees. When you show your respect for workers' rights, you gain their respect as manager or supervisor. A good office policy makes for a more productive, positive, and efficient work environment.

Unlike previous generations of workers, today's employees fight back with lawsuits if they feel wronged or threatened. When discipline is mishandled, suits most commonly filed against employers are for discrimination, infliction of emotional distress, and breach of contract.

The key to a good office policy is to enforce the policy evenly and equally, and to not make or imply promises you can’t keep. In order to avoid problems with your office policy you should follow these key points:

  • Distribute and follow all written office policies and procedures.

  • Enforce office policy rules and document problems.

  • Remember, it's best to warn before firing. Follow office policy.

  • Don’t retaliate against employees.

  • Beware--promises (oral or written) may create binding contracts.


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    The HR Library has more helpful company policy resources like these:

    What you need to know about Office Policies

    Sample Office Policies

    Employment at Will, Implied contracts and more

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    HR Policies | Employee Policy | Company Policy
    Internal Reference: Catcode=A671 Funcode=A671