Let’s be real … HR policies and procedures don’t exactly scream “superpower”. They sound like dusty binders, HR jargon and red tape.
But here’s the truth: when they’re done right, they’re not just helpful, they are game-changing.
Clear, fair and thoughtfully crafted HR policies are the invisible engine behind thriving teams and smooth operations.
They
- create structure
- build trust
- reduce risk
- ensure compliance
- save stress
- empower people to do their best work
A lack of thought or inconsistent administration when it comes to HR policies will cause confusion, high turnover and, ultimately, … chaos.
Strong HR policies are one of the most underrated utensils in your business toolkit. Getting the basics right could be your secret weapon!
What are Good Policies and Procedures?
A good set of policies and procedures will:
- meet all legal requirements
- cover at least all standard procedures
- provide guidance for the senior team and management on dealing with difficult situations
- highlight what is expected from staff
- align with company culture
- be accessible
- be applied fairly and consistently
Essential Policies and Procedures
There are policies which might be more important or less so for your business compared with others. It’s not one size fits all. If your team are driving for work, then of course a policy about safe driving practices is essential. But you might not worry about a policy on working with children if your work doesn’t involve interacting with young people.
Policies you are required to have documented and in place as a minimum are:
- Personal Data Protection / Privacy Notice (GDPR compliance)
- Equal Opportunities Policy including anti-harassment
- Disciplinary and Grievance Policy
We’d recommend taking some time to review what you have and what you need.
Add your own essentials to what’s legally required (above) and our vivoHR recommended must-have policy list (below):
- Onboarding / Induction / Probation
- Performance Management
- Remote / Hybrid Working (if applicable)
- Absence – Sickness / Holiday
- Parental Rights
- IT / Internet / Social Media Use
- Expenses / Travel / Vehicle Use
- Code of Conduct
- Health and Safety
What Superpowers Can They Unlock?
A comprehensive and clear set of policies and procedures might not be the first thing you think of when you consider what makes a company successful. Actually, however, a strong and formal basis is a perfect springboard for business success.
- Retention
Employees who are clear on how the business runs, what is expected from them, and know that in difficult situations there are procedures in place, are more likely to feel secure in their role.
- Empowered leadership
Your leadership team can act knowing they are backed up by carefully considered policies.
- Risk reduction
When everyone is following considered HR policies and procedures, the risk of a situation going badly is reduced … and, when a problem does arise, the impact can be mitigated.
- Efficiency
Policies already written mean that, when a problem arises, the answer is there already.
- Preparation
Get the basics right. Having formal HR policies in place means that any legal or regulatory changes can be pre-empted.
For example, at some point in the not-too-distant future (we anticipate from Autumn 2026), employees will have a day one right to claim unfair dismissal, where currently workers must have two years qualifying service. If you already have the relevant policies in place to support your position that you are making a fair dismissal, this will put you in a better position to protect your company should any claims be raised when the law changes.
Similarly, we know that the Government are introducing enhanced sick pay rights so employers who have clear absence reporting and recording procedures will be better equipped to manage this.
- Scalability
Once these policies are in place, they can be easily adapted to meet the needs of a growing business or changing legal requirements.
- Trust
Official written policies and procedures ensure everyone knows where they stand. Your team know what to expect from you and you’ve made it clear what you expect from them.
- Clarity
Well-written HR policies using clear language mean that everyone understands the company’s stance. There’s no room for confusion.
- Consistency and fairness
Every team member will be subject to the same policies and therefore situations are dealt with consistently. A sense of fairness is crucial to building trust and employee loyalty.
Continuous Development
For policies and procedures to truly become your business’s secret weapon, they need to be living documents, regularly reviewed and adapted as your company grows and evolves.
It starts with clarity: ensure your team fully understands the current policies, then actively seek their input. Ask questions like: Do these policies make sense? Is something missing? What would you like to see formalised? Engaging employees in this process not only improves the content but also boosts buy-in.
But having policies isn’t enough, they need to be used. When tricky or uncomfortable situations arise, that’s when your policies should shine. Make sure employees know where to find them, managers are trained to apply them consistently and leadership sets the tone by actually referring to them when making decisions. The goal is to weave your policies into the everyday fabric of your culture – not just bury them in a handbook no one reads.
Solid HR policies form a foundation for a fair, future-ready business. When these procedures are clear and consistently used, they become a powerful tool for building trust, reducing risk and supporting everyone to achieve success.
Get intentional and start turning those boring policies into your business superpower!
At vivoHR we can help you do the ‘boring’ bit and make sure that all of your HR policies are compliant. We can also advise you on building procedures which support your company to be its best. Give us a call on 01252 757359 or drop us an email at [email protected].