Article No. 01 - Significant requirement of Setting up Human Resource Policies and Procedures in an Organization

 

Background of the HR policies and procedures

In smaller organizations in the early stage we don't have defined HR policies. But when gradually organization get expanded we can't move forward smoothly without proper HR policies & procedures. Therefore, within our series of blog articles we are supposed to explain how we need to set up HR policies quite effectively for such an organization.

Within various types of organizations, the employees as well as the employers need to carry out their job duties in accordance to policies and procedures. In leading to well-being and progression and enhance the reputation of the organization, it is necessary to formulate human resources policies and procedures. 

When the human resources abide by the policies and procedures, they are not only able to implement their job duties appropriately, but also would promote discipline within the working environment. The policies and procedures need to be concerned in terms of various areas such as, technical, clerical, management, administration and so forth. When the employees get recruited within the organizations, they are required to go through training and development programs. In these programs, they are imparted with knowledge in terms of human resources policies and procedures. When the human resources follow the policies and procedures, they are able to benefit to a major extent.

Meaning of HR Policies and Procedures

Human resources (HR) policies and procedures are regarded as formal commitments that are focused upon the ways, in which employers treat the employees. 

Also HR policies are written guidance on how a wide range of issues should be handled within an organization. They include a description of principles, rights and responsibilities for managers and employees. They play a key role in supporting fairness and consistency across an organization, as well as potentially helping to protect the organization against legal claims. However, it’s their effective communication and implementation, that’s crucial in ensuring their effectiveness.

Links between HR Strategy, policies and procedures

HR policies should support the wider strategy through adopting a tailored approach that reflects the size and unique culture of the organization.

• *. HR strategy sets out how HR can support organizational objectives, focusing on

• *. HR policies provide general and practical advice and guidance for managers and staff on a range of employment issues.

• *. HR procedures give a step-by-step account of specific arrangements that apply in particular circumstances.

HR policies should flow from HR strategies and complement HR procedures.

The requirement of HR policies & procedures

HR policies can support trust, fairness and inclusion by outlining the responsibilities of both employer and employee. They can impact employee motivation, organization reputation and the ability to attract and retain talent, creating mutual benefits for employees and organizations.

HR policies can also provide clear guidance that reflects regulations, for a range of issues. This can help avoid involvement with employment tribunal claims.

Certain HR policies and procedures may be necessary to comply with the law. Even where a policy or procedure isn't specifically required by law, employers often find it helpful to have a policy in place to provide clear guidance that reflects the legal framework for handling the issue in question and it also helps employees to be clear about the organization's stance on a particular subject.

Organizations introduce or review specific HR policies for reasons including:

• *. To reflect and comply with existing or new legislation and case law.
• *. To support business strategy.
• *. To follow the latest developments in effective people management.
• *. To deal with internal change.
• *. To comply with head office/parent-company guidance to keep up with competitors – for example, reward policies may be reviewed in order to attract or retain employees when operating in a different international market.
• *. For smaller organizations, a desire to develop a more formal and consistent approach that will meet their needs as they grow.
• 
  

The Primary Objective of HR Policies and Procedures

The primary objective of HR policies and procedures is to create a working environment, which makes provision of support and assistance to the employees to build up self-esteem and self-confidence. They are able to implement behavioral traits, which enable them to carry out their job duties in accordance to the expectations of the employers.

Evolution Pattern of the HR Policies and Procedures     

HR policies and procedures are subjected to changes. They do not remain the same throughout. With advancements taking place and with the advent of modernization and globalization, changes take place in HR policies and procedures. For instance, when changes take place in the production methods, traditional methods get replaced by technical methods and machines, then it is apparent that changes will take place in HR policies and procedures as well. The HR policies and procedures aim at promoting an environment, in which the individuals feel appreciated and empowered. 

Furthermore, it is vital to take into consideration various factors that would promote implementation of job duties and achievement of organizational goals satisfactorily. These include, management of resources, initiating training and development programs, providing infrastructure, amenities, facilities, machines, tools and technologies, encouraging effective communication processes, promoting employee health and safety and creating an amiable and pleasant working environmental conditions. Therefore, it can be stated that it is necessary to formulate policies and procedures which would contribute efficiently in the implementation of these factors.

Significance of Human Resources Policies and Procedures

The human resources policies and procedures are regarded as the backbone of any organization. The significance of HR policies and procedures is primarily recognized in making provision of essential information to the employees, so they are able to put into operation their job duties in an appropriate manner. 

The HR policies and procedures manual is compiled first and thereafter an employee handbook is prepared in conjunction with the prevailing policies and procedures as laid down in the earlier document. Such documents make provision of clear description in terms of the benefits and incentives that need to be given to the employees. In addition, they are able to generate information in terms of departments, personnel, organizational goals and so forth (HR Policies and Procedures Manual, 2019). 

The HR policies and procedures make provision of help and assistance to the organization in achieving its goals and objectives. It is of utmost significance for the organization to determine the ways that may help the individuals in reaching its goals and objectives. Organizations need to formulate an HRM strategy as well as the business drivers, which may make the strategy indispensable for their success. 

It is a fact that to thrive and prosper in the challenging business environment, organizations need to generate awareness in terms of utilization of modern and innovative methods. As with advancements taking place, when there will be introduction of modern and innovative methods in the implementation of job duties, then there will be changes taking place in the HR policies and procedures. It is vital for the employees to be well-equipped with the usage of these methods and procedures. 

Conclusion

Considering above factors, it can be stated that with the introduction of modern and innovative methods, HRM policies & procedures turns into significantly valuable tools for the management to lead to progression and goodwill. Also HR policies and procedures are quite significant in make provision of assistance and support to the employees, which may enable them to generate information and carry out their job duties in a well-organized and satisfactory manner. 

List of References

National Youth Service (2019) HR Policies and Procedures Manual and Employee Handbook. [Online] Pwani University Kenya. Available at: https://www.studocu.com/row/document/pwani-university/psychology/hr-policy-and-procedures-manual-2019/28872255. [Accessed on 18th of August 2023].

Dr. Radhika Kapur (2020) Human Resource Policies and Procedures [Online] University of Delhi. Available at:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339711840_Human_Resources_Policies_and_Procedures. [Accessed on 18th of August 2023].

David K. Hayes & Jack D. Ninemeier (2016). Human Resources Management In The Hospitality Industry. [online] John Wiley & Sons, Inc USA. Available at: https://slideplayer.com/slide/15769641/.[Accessed on 19th of August 2023].

Sherrie Scott (2019). Examples of Company Policies & Procedures. [Online] Chron Newsletters, USA. Available at: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/examples-company-policies-procedures-10995.html. [Accessed on 19th of August 2023].

CIPD(2023). HRPolicies. [Online] CIPD Website. UK. Available at https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/factsheets/hr-policies-factsheet/. [Accessed on 19th of August].