Importance Of Human Resources Policies And Procedures

The importance of human resources policies and procedures is easiest to see in a dispute between two employees rather than between an employee and the organisation.

Two people want the same leave period. One believes a flexible arrangement was promised and another says it was never available. A complaint is made about conduct at a work function and the two accounts differ.

Without a policy, somebody decides. Whatever they decide, the other person concludes it was personal, because there was no stated position to point at.

With one, the decision belongs to the organisation rather than to the manager. That protects the manager, gives the person a reason rather than a verdict, and produces the same outcome next time.

Consistency is what staff actually compare, and it is the thing an informal approach cannot deliver.

The Fair Work Ombudsman covers workplace policies. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s HR policy templates and HR management system.