I am an employer in BC, what work policies do I need to have?

workplace bullying and harassment

To build a successful business, you need to manage and support your team. This involves more than just hiring workers. As your business grows, it can be tough to keep on top of management and policy creation. Having unwritten rules will cause confusion amongst your employees and can leave your company vulnerable.

The appropriate work policies at your workplace can help you recruit and keep the workers you need to build and grow your business. Part of HR policy documentation involves developing compensation and incentive plans, outlining how to monitor and give feedback to your employees and finding strategies to keep your employees.

Work policies will also guide you in dealing with issues. Having strong guidelines can also help you respond to grievances, keep absenteeism low and implement any necessary disciplinary procedures.

Coming up with written work policies can seem like a daunting task, especially when you have other HR responsibilities to manage. Here is a list of HR documentation and policies you are recommended to develop and distribute to your team as an employer in BC.

  • Position Descriptions: Define the roles of all your employees including their responsibilities, authority, specific tasks and goals. Create a method for training, monitoring performance and providing feedback.
  • Organization Structure: Create a chart documenting each team member’s name and position title. Show how they fit into the structure of the organization.
  • Employment Policies: This is where you state business hours, hiring and termination terms, payment schedule of wages/salary, insurance, benefits, vacation, sick leave and all other policies that will help clarify your workplace rules and procedures.
  • Disciplinary Actions: Determine what constitutes a violation of company policy in terms of performance, safety, honesty and misconduct. What will be the disciplinary actions if an employee is in violation of the rules? Establish a no retaliation policy to protect your company and employees.
  • Safety: Create rules and guidelines regarding safety including anti-bullying and harassment, drugs and alcohol, the use safety equipment and reporting safety hazards and accidents. Look at relevant local laws to help you establish these guidelines.
  • Technology: Develop regulations for what is acceptable technology use in regards to the Internet, social media and email at work.

For customers or clients that will be doing business with your company you’ll also need a set of workplace policies that may include the following:

Privacy: With a privacy policy, you can encourage transparency and trust with your customers.

Confidentiality: Ensure you protect sensitive information with vendors, customers and other relevant parties.

The Employment Standards Act sets the minimum employment conditions and contains specific information pertaining to BC employers. Here you’ll find the specific guidelines. It is also important to ensure compliance with the BC Human Rights Code and WorkSafe BC.

Need help or advice to develop your work policies? Pivot HR Services provides talent sourcing, hiring and retention, and advisory services that will help you manage your human resources. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced HR consultant in Vancouver.

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