How many people in the workforce read their organization’s employee handbook or policies? Employees fail to obtain the knowledge and therefore are uninformed. It is crucial to know the expectations of your behavior and rights in the workplace. They are essential components of employment. Employers create policies and handbooks to provide employees with information on their behavior, fairness, and management responsibilities. The information is an employee tool to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.
Employees must follow the policies and procedures of the company, whether employees like to follow the rules or not. Careful thought goes into the policies that guide expectations for both parties, employees, and management.
Employees encounter situations in the workplace and need guidelines on addressing them and what limitations they may have. The policy and employee handbook are a source of reference. A written policy leaves no space for ambiguity. Employees want to feel like the organization has their best interests. Policies will build loyalty and success for the company. They let you know that management is not above adhering to the guidelines established. They are a guide for their behavior as a representative for the organization.
An example:
There was an employee that felt the manager docked her time unfairly for being late. The employee verbally insisted that it was not fair and was ridiculous to dock her 15 minutes for being a minute late. The situation forced her to obtain a copy of the policy on attendance. While reading, she discovered the manager was correct. However, the manager never invoked the policy when she and other co-workers were late. The manager was not consistent in following the guidelines and acted upon them in frustration. Had the employee known, they would have been on-time more often.
Know the organization’s handbook and policies. Do not shy away from the policies or procedures. Embrace them to be informed. Knowledgeable employees are a benefit and asset to the organization.