Building a thriving business in the Great White North? Well, managing your team isn’t just about finding the right folks to hire. It’s a bit like building a sturdy igloo – you need a strong foundation, or things might start melting down.
So, let’s talk about workplace policies? These aren’t just fancy words on paper; they’re the glue that holds your business together, like maple syrup on pancakes. Without them, you’re in for a mess! Here’s the scoop on why you need them:
- Hiring and Keeping the Right Talent: Policies help you create fair compensation plans, track performance, and keep your employees content.
- Handling Sticky Situations: When trouble brews in the workplace, you don’t want to be stuck in a snowstorm without a toque. Having clear guidelines can help you deal with issues, from settling disputes to keeping truancy at bay. Plus, it’ll keep you out of legal hot water.
- Avoiding the ” What’s Going On?” Syndrome: Imagine your employees wandering through a blizzard, not knowing which way to go. With written policies, everyone knows the game plan.
Now, I get it. Creating these policies can feel as intimidating. But fret not! Employment policies are like a playbook for running a smooth operation. Here’s a list of 9 must-have policies for your business:
- Code of Conduct: outlines general employee expectations. This can be a comprehensive document that outlines multiple policies. Often employees are required to review and sign off on this code every year. Just make sure to also include training around this!
- Disciplinary Actions: Set the rules of the game. What’s a penalty, and what’s a penalty shot? What is your progressive discipline process? Define violations and the consequences – but always remember, no retaliation!
- Occupational Health and Safety: Safety first? Absolutely. Employees are entitled to a safe workplace and they have a responsibility to also operate within guidelines to ensure the workplace and their colleagues are safe. Don’t forget to check local laws – you don’t want to be caught offside.
- Respectful Workplace: Cover anti-bullying, anti-harassment, diversity, equity and inclusion. Include use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. It should clearly outline the range of disciplinary measures and reporting methods.
- Attendance Management: Work hours, overtime, schedules, locations and expectations.
- Technology Guidelines: In the digital age, you need rules for tech use – internet, social media, email, the whole shebang.
- Privacy: Keep it transparent and build trust with your customers and employees.
- Confidentiality: Guard sensitive info! You spent a lot of time building your business empire.
- Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangements: Are you flexible with where your workforce operates? What guides this flexibility? Are these stand-alone policies or have you redeveloped your existing policies to include remote work
Remember, this list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a good place to start. You’ve got to follow the rules set by the appropriate provincial and federal legislation, including, but not limited to Employment Standards, Privacy, Human Rights Code, and Occupational Health & Safety. There’s differences between the provinces and you want to ensure compliance to avoid hefty fines! It’s all part of the game.
Now, if you’re feeling as lost as a tourist in the Yukon, don’t sweat it! LarcoHR is here to help you navigate the HR wilderness. Our team offers strategic HR services that include developing policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), vision setting, workforce planning, employee engagement, performance management, people processes, internal communications and recruitment to make sure your HR game is solid.
Schedule a free consultation with Lisa at lisa@zingstrategy.com.
