HUMAN RESOURCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Written by Shirish, CS

Human Resource Policy and Procedures: Meaning

Entities or organizations operate within certain frameworks or guidelines. These guidelines are framed by the highest level of management, which is further assisted by different departments of the organization, including the HR Department.

These guidelines are related to human resources and are therefore known as Human Resource Policy and Procedures. These are executive-oriented and focus on the execution of the work in the organization. Such guidelines set out the powers and limits to be provided to human resources for the execution of a particular task. These policies and processes are legally binding though, these are not framed by the government.

In a nutshell,

Human Resource Policy = ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

What does a Policy mean?

A policy refers to plans framed by the highest level of management, taking into consideration the organizational goals and objectives. It deals with actions to be performed for the accomplishment of goals and defines the standard pointer. It encompasses a few elements like:

• Mandatory compliance.

• Disciplinary action in case of noncompliance.

What does a Procedure mean?

A procedure refers to a process for the achievement of goals framed by the organization. It discloses the authority, the action to be performed, and the authority by whom the action is performed.

Importance of Policy and Procedures for an Organization:

The relevance of policies and procedures for a corporation are as below:

1. Transparency in the system leads to proficiency in doing work.

2. Diversification of business and increase in the number of employees as a result of transparency.

3. Organizational principles are set up along with 'what' and 'who' the company values.

4. Fair and equal principles for all employees.

5. In case of any issue, the conflict may be resolved as a result of transparency and framed guidelines in respect of the same.

6. It ensures the smooth and proper execution of organizational functions.

HR Policies and Procedures: Contents

Some important points relating to HR policies are:

1. Selection and recruitment process of an employee.

2. Process of giving equal opportunities policy.

3. Safeguarding the employees' self-respect at work policy.

4. Procedures of discipline and injustices.

5. Employees' safety procedures.

6. Code of conduct.

7. Procedure regarding the employees' leave.

8. Policies regarding family.

9. Retirement pay and pension policies.

Framing of HR Policies and Procedures:

HR policies play an important role in the smooth functioning of an organization. Therefore, these should be drafted properly. Otherwise, it would affect not only the organization but the people connected with it as well.

The following things should be taken into consideration while preparing policies and procedures :

1. Selection of relevant title for policy.

2. Clarity regarding motive or the intention for which policy is drafted.

3. Policy and procedures should be drafted in a simple language leaving no room for ambiguity.

4. Policies and procedures should reflect the company’s image.

5. Policies and procedures should be user-friendly.

6. An efficient framework of policy.

7. Consultation with higher management regarding the policy.

8. Reviewing with the team and other members of management.

9. The policy should be versatile and accommodating.

Conclusion:

HR policies and procedures should be simple, flexible, and take into consideration the interest of stakeholders as well as the organization. These should be communicated to employees and must be easily applicable and understandable to them. Also, these should be changed as per the changes in the environment, be it external or internal.

References:

Jesal Shethna, How to write human resource policy and procedures, retrieved from https://www.educba.com/hr-policies-and-procedures/ on July 30, 2022.

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