Hence, we need policies. Policies help an organization deal with all employees fairly and consistently in similar circumstances. Doing so helps mitigate arguments of discrimination. If labor litigation is involved, sticking to a policy that has been commonly applied for some time without incident is the best defense when an employee takes exception. Good policies help sustain morale when employees understand them and see them consistently applied.
Policies do even more for an organization.
Good ones help supervisors perform optimally, providing direction and guidance as to what is the practice, precedent and desired approach to the topic covered by the policy. Finally, good policies help set, communicate and maintain an organization s general culture. They set the tone for employer-employee relationships as well as parameters for operating within that culture. At the next staff meeting, ask your employees to suggest areas they think could benefit from clearer, more consistently applied policies. You and your staff are the best ones to determine all your needs.