Human Resource Policy and Strategy
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 we will include in our clients’ unique personnel policies:
- Background, Vision, Mission and Values
- Employment
- Working Hours
- Leave
- Remuneration
- Pension/Provident Fund and Medical Scheme
- Insurance
- Termination of Employment
- Relief, Transfers and Promotions
- Training & Development
- Study
- Discipline
- Grievances
- General Behaviour
- Substance Abuse
- Health & Safety
- Traveling & Accommodation
- Vehicles
- Donations and Gifts
- Access Control
- Computer and IT Resources
- Intellectual Property
- Confidentiality
- Trade Unions
- Personnel representatives
- Media Contact & Provision of Information
- Employment Equity
- Unfair Discrimination and Harassment
- HIV/Aids
- Retrenchment
Personnel policies are tailor-made to the specific needs of the employer. Entrepreneurs and/or small businesses will also benefit from setting up an HR policy to ensure effective communication and compliance to labour legislation.