Effective HR policies and procedures are extremely important, as they provide structure, control, consistency and fairness within an organisation. It ensures compliance with relevant employment legislation and informs employees of the Company’s expectations and their own responsibilities. A Personnel Policy forms part of the contractual agreement between employer and employee. It serves as a manual containing general guidelines regarding the employer’s policies, practices, procedures, standing arrangements, service conditions / benefits and employee conduct in order to ensure uniformity and clarity. It offers both the employer and the employee a communication and decision-making “manual”. Guidelines for employer-employee relationships, which impart information on acceptable norms of behaviour, work schedules, health and safety measures, employment legislation, conflict resolution and disciplinary measures are just some of the benefits provided in HR policies.
A comprehensive and agreed personnel policy has the following objectives:
- Compliance with all employment legislation and best practices.
- Facilitates the practical implementation of best practice for the unique needs of the organisation.
- Provides clarity to management and employees on employment legislation, policies, best practice and expected norms / behaviour in a user-friendly manner.
- Provides a consistent and clear response across the company in dealing with situations.
- Creates transparency in processes and procedures and reasonableness within the company.
- Ensures that the organisation is better equipped to defend claims of breach of employer obligations.
The following are examples of policies which can be included in your personnel policies:
- Employment
- Working Hours
- Health and Safety
- Leave
- Remuneration
- Pension/Provident Fund and Medical Scheme
- Accommodation
- Vehicle
- Travel
- Insurance
- Termination of Employment
- Relief, Transfers and Promotions
- Training & Development
- Study
- Discipline
- Grievances
- Health & Safety
- Confidentiality
- Trade Unions
- Personnel representatives
- Media Contact & Provision of Information
- Employment Equity
- Unfair Discrimination and Harassment
- COVID 19
- HIV/Aids
- Retrenchment
- General Behaviour
- Substance Abuse
The above Personnel policies are a guideline to the employer to ensure effective communication and compliance to labour legislation.
Source; Joubert & Associates