Human management is essential at every stage in a business, whether micro, small, medium or large. Humans make up the most of the resources that businesses depend on, therefore it is impertinent that their relationships are optimally managed.

For a small business with a staff strength of about 10 to 50, the importance of human resource management can be easily glossed over, but having the right structure in place does not only provide guidance for some foreseeable behaviours and situations, it is also a catalyst for productivity and growth.

After laying the foundation for the importance of human resource management above, let’s dive into some of the essential HR policies that would be very beneficial for small businesses to have.

Code of Conduct

A code of conduct generally guides behaviours between employees and even employees and clients. Business and professional ethics are usually included in a code of conduct. It will vary from industry to industry, and also the business needs at any particular time.

Disciplinary and Dismissal Policy

Humans err. It is therefore imperative to have measures in place to address any issue as they come up. This policy gives guidance on steps to be taken when an employee performs poorly, behaves or conducts themselves poorly or even commits a crime or gross misconduct. Having a disciplinary and dismissal policy in place makes it easier to address these issues immediately they come up. 

It can sometimes be uncomfortable to confront these situations head on, especially for people that are non confrontational, this policy, which may sometimes be a twin policy or separate, give an extra layer of relief in the disciplinary process. 

There are different types of disciplinary policies and different types of dismissal. Formulation and implementation will depend on the needs and objective of the business, as well as the particular situation that necessitates its usage.

Compensation and Benefits Policy

One of the factors that drive the quality of employees a business will get and their satisfaction are the compensation and other benefits the business provides. A compensation and benefits policy that outlines the salary structure, ranges and other perks a business employees are entitled to, any attached criteria and redemption method is therefore, necessary. 

Leave Policy

Leave is an essential benefit that an employee is entitled to. There is a legal minimum that an employer cannot go below. However, a business can increase the days given to the employees as it pleases. The increase can be done according to industry standards, good measures or in consideration of the business needs.

 Leave can be limited by a certain number of days in a year, as long as it does not go below the minimum provided by law. Leave can also be unlimited. 

The modalities surrounding leave, including the number of days, application and approval or decline process etc, should be clearly broken down in a leave policy document.

Evaluation and Performance Policy

Performance is what drives a business to success. Employees are assigned different tasks to perform in line with the overarching objective of the business. Evaluation and performance reviews can be done via different means and at different times. The means, methods, criterias and timelines should be properly communicated to employees, and this should be done preferably, by creating a policy that covers all the bases.  

Electronic Communication Policy

This policy should cover the usage of internet, emails, and other electronic communication tools, especially in this age of digital footprints. A business will not want to be affiliated with any improper, illegal or immoral communication that is put out by an employee, so this is an aspect that should be properly guided. 

It should cover things like what sites are prohibited, what type of communications official emails should be used for, acceptable communication channels among employees and even clients, phone usage on work premises and during work hours, and social media conduct for the business and individual employees among others considerations.

Company Property Use Policy

This policy should cover the acceptable use of the business’s equipment, tools, office supplies, cars and other items both at work and outside the work environment. This will help prevent problems like theft, loss, frequent repairs, misuse and mismanagement.

Data Protection and Privacy Policy

Most businesses will come into possession of sensitive and personal information of their employees and clients. There should be very strict guidance on the use and storage of these informations and the policy should be especially formulated to meet up with the requirements and guidelines of the law.

Handbook

A handbook usually acts as an annexure to an employee’s contract of employment. Its primary function is to serve as a first point of contact for any information about a company to its employees. It typically will contain the organisational structure, values, mission, vision, management addresses, and some key policies at the business initial stage and other information deemed necessary by that particular business. 

It is a must have and provides direction for a business’s daily operations and overall performance. It will typically contain policies like employment types, harassment and anti bullying, office hours, attendance, break time, time off request procedures, health and safety, available spaces and their usages, etc. 

The above list is not exhaustive, but it creates a baseline for the types of policies that a business can implement for a smoother operation, a healthy work environment and to ensure the wellbeing of their staff.

Developing the right policies also encourages accountability amongst employees, and for any policy to be accepted and complied with, it should be concise and easily understandable.

A successful and well structured business is propelled by the policies that have been put in place, and we understand that at APHR Consult. Our team specialises in helping organisations of all sizes develop tailored business policies that address all their business concerns and needs.

If you’re looking to develop policies that protect your business and elevate your employee experience, reach out to us today by sending an email to hello@aphrconsult.com.