Policies and procedures

Business Management

Policies and Procedures

Overview

Employers implement various policies and procedures to support and manage their workforce effectively, fostering good employee retentions. These policies cover a range of aspects including grievance, absenteeism, discipline, dismissal, and redundancy.

Grievance

• Definition: Grievances are formal complaints by employees regarding workplace issues like disagreements or unsatisfactory working conditions.
• Procedure: Involves a structured process, often engaging human resources and trade union representatives.
• Impact: Effective grievance handling can lead to improved employee relations.

Absenteeism

• Significance: High absenteeism can indicate poor employee relations, reducing business output and increasing costs.
• Management Policy: Employers should have a clear absence/attendance policy to manage staff absence and address underlying issues.

Discipline

• Purpose: To ensure employees adhere to organisational rules and conduct standards.
• Procedure: Includes steps like verbal warning, formal written warning, final written warning, suspension, demotion, and dismissal.
• Scope: Covers issues like absenteeism, conduct, behaviour, and performance.

Dismissal

• Definition: Termination of an employee's contract, usually a final step in the disciplinary process.
• Conditions: Dismissal should occur only after completing all formal disciplinary procedures.
• Implications: Improper handling can lead to legal challenges and a negative impact on workforce morale.

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Policies and procedures

Redundancy

• Context: This occurs when a job role is no longer needed by the organisation.
• Process: Involves providing redundancy payments and notice periods for job searching.
• Considerations: Often a last resort due to potential negative publicity and demotivation among remaining staff.

Key Points

• Effective implementation and communication of these policies are crucial for maintaining positive employee relations.
• Employers must ensure fairness, transparency, and legal compliance in all procedures to foster trust and respect within the workforce.