Employment contracts — Developing policies

Introductory note:
Workplace policies are statements of principles and practices dealing with the ongoing management and administration of the organisation. Policies act as a guiding frame of reference for how the organisation deals with everything from its day-to-day operational problems or how to respond to requirements to comply with legislation, regulation and codes of practice.
It is important that policies are reasonable and that employees are aware of, and clearly understand, what a policy is trying to achieve.
Well-written workplace policies:
	•	are consistent with the values of the organisation and relevant legislation;
	•	demonstrate that the organisation is being operated in an efficient and business-like manner;
	•	ensure uniformity and consistency in decision-making and operational procedures;
	•	save time when a new problem can be handled quickly and effectively through an existing policy;
	•	foster stability and continuity;
	•	maintain the direction of the organisation even during periods of change;
	•	provide the framework for business planning;
	•	assist in assessing performance and establishing accountability; and
	•	clarify functions and responsibilities.

Other notes:
Which policies the organisation requires depends on the type of work and the business, but there are quite a few policies that every workplace should have, including:
	•	A code of conduct which sets standards of ethical conduct and workplace behaviour that must be adhered to, and can be added to or amended as needed.
	•	A disciplinary policy is essential in outlining the process which the organisation will follow in issuing a warning, or in terminating an employee’s employment.
	•	A leave policy identifies the types of leave available and the process that must be followed to access the leave.
	•	Workplace discrimination, bullying and harassment are emerging workplace issues.

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