Human Resources Policies and Procedures: Dr. Radhika Kapur
Human Resources Policies and Procedures: Dr. Radhika Kapur
Human Resources Policies and Procedures: Dr. Radhika Kapur
Abstract
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. The main areas that have been taken into account in this research paper are, meaning
and significance of human resources policies and procedures, types of human resources
policies, and areas in which human resources policies and procedures are implemented.
Human resources (HR) policies and procedures are regarded as formal commitments
that are focused upon the ways, in which employers treat the employees. Within the
organization, it is apparent that members cannot carry out tasks and activities in isolation. In
order to carry out various tasks and functions, they need to organize meetings, exchange ideas
and suggestions, share viewpoints and work in co-ordination with each other. Collaboration
and integration among the members are regarded to be of utmost significance in promoting a
healthy and safe working environment. It is apparent that members need to form good terms
and relationships with each other. 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
behavioural traits, which enable them to carry out their job duties in accordance to the
expectations of the employers.
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.
The human resources policies and procedures are regarded as the backbone of any
organization. These documents consists of all the details regarding the treatment, which needs
to be given to the employees in the organization and make provision of assistance to the
employees in acquiring an efficient understanding of the organizational culture. 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. Within the organization, it is necessary to
ensure employees implement their job duties in accordance to rules and policies and proper
standards need to be recognised within the working environment. In the case of occurrence of
issues, either on the part of the employers or employees, the HR manual is regarded as one of
the important sources to provide resolutions (HR Policies and Procedures Manual, 2019).
Organizations can hire an HR Consulting Firms for the preparation of both or either of
the HR policies and procedures manual and the employee handbook. An HR consultant can
provide assistance to the organization in preparation of new HR policies and procedures
manual and employee handbook for the organization. He can revise certain aspects of the
documents or completely revise the HR policies and procedures manual and employee
handbook. It is necessary to check the documents for the rules that have been changing within
the course of time. Audit the existing HR policies and procedures manual and or employee
handbook to make sure that the details provided are relevant to the organization. The job
duties of the HR consultant can include just one covering document or both, these are the HR
policies and procedures manual and employee handbook. Also as per the requirement of the
administration, the consultant may be asked to either work upon the entire document or just a
few policies (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.
Therefore, it can be stated that with the introduction of modern and innovative methods,
HRM turns into a valuable tool for the management to lead to progression and goodwill (HR
Policies and Procedures Manual, 2019).
The practice of HRM needs to be integrated with the overall strategy to ensure the
effectiveness of the human resources in the implementation of tasks and activities. Within the
organization, there are number of departments, i.e. financial, marketing, human resources,
clerical, technical, and so forth. In various departments, human resources are recruited in
accordance to their educational qualifications, competencies and aptitude. They undergo
training and development programs, at the time of recruitment as well as within the course of
their employment to generate information in terms of modern, technical and pioneering
methods. Furthermore, the HR policies and procedures need to be modified, particularly
when changes are taking place in the methods and procedures. There are introduction of
novice approaches, which may enable the individuals to carry out their job duties in a well-
ordered manner and achieve organizational goals. Therefore, it can be stated that HR policies
and procedures 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.
Some of the laws require the employers to communicate workplace information to the
employees in a written form. In the absence of specific requirement, the employers need to
implement policies that would communicate to the employees, benefits and expectations. The
employees need to be well-aware in terms of policies and abide by them in an appropriate
manner. The various types of human resources policies have been stated as follows: (15
Must-Have HR Policies and Forms, 2015).
At-will Employment – This statement reiterates that either the employer or the
employee have the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time. Furthermore,
the reasons for termination can also be numerous, but it needs to be ensured that reasons are
lawful and valid. In other words, when the employers and employees are bringing an end to
the employment relationship, when employees are quitting their jobs or when employers are
terminating the employees, in accordance to the policy the reason should be genuine and
lawful. Therefore, it can be stated that at-will employment is an important HR policy,
applicable in various types of organizations.
Leave and Time off Benefits - When employees are overwhelmed by various issues
and problems and are required to take leave, it is necessary to grant them leave in accordance
to the policies and procedures. On the other hand, when they need time off, such as, when
they are required to leave the workplace within the course of working hours, then too it has to
take place in accordance to policies. These policies address the rules and procedures of the
organization in terms of holidays, vacations, sick leaves, bereavement leaves, leaves due to
personal problems, family issues and other time off benefits. Furthermore, it is necessary to
check the state and local law to ensure all the leave requirements are included in employee
handbook.
Meals and Breaks – The meal timings and breaks within the organizations also takes
place in accordance to laws and policies. When the employees are going for lunch, in some
cases, they are allowed one hour and in some half an hour. Normally, employees are allowed
to take a ten minute break, after they have worked for three to four hours. The employees
need to be communicated in terms of these policies at the time of recruitment. On the other
hand, when employees fail to follow these policies, they are given warning by their
supervisors. Rest periods, and meal periods are provided in accordance to the federal, state
and local laws.
Safety and Health – Safety and health of the employees are regarded to be of utmost
significance. It is indispensable for the employees to maintain good health in order to carry
out their job duties in an appropriate manner. Safety policies are related to the safety
procedures. When employees are engaged in hazardous jobs, it is essential for them to
generate awareness in terms of safety and health procedures that are necessary to generate the
desired outcomes. On the other hand, policies related to maintenance of good health
conditions among the employees are primarily concerned with methods that are necessary to
prevent accidents, injuries and various types of health problems. It is essential for the
employees to take precautions, especially when they are engaged in hazardous occupations
and are required to work with chemicals and machines.
Employee Conduct, Attendance and Punctuality – Policies related to employee
conduct enable them to maintain good terms and relationships with each other, communicate
effectively and inculcate the traits of morality and ethics. Whereas, policies related to
attendance and punctuality make provision of information to the employees that they need to
maintain their attendance and depict punctuality. The employees need to be scheduled to
work in their required work timings. Within the course of performance of their job duties,
they need to be aware of measures and approaches that are necessary to achieve personal and
organizational goals and incur the feeling of job satisfaction.
Hiring Forms – There are a variety of forms that would make provision of help and
assistance that can render a significant contribution in identifying well-qualified and
competent candidates during the pre-hiring process. These hiring forms include, job
application and candidate evaluation form. When recruitment and selection of candidates
takes place, it is vital to make sure they possess the essential skills and abilities. Therefore,
the hiring forms enable the hiring authorities to determine, whether the employees are well-
qualified for the implementation of job duties or not. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate
policies to lead to recruitment and selection of employees in an effectual manner.
Recruitment and Selection – When job vacancies takes place within the organizations,
then the employers and hiring authorities need to implement the policies and procedures for
recruitment and selection of individuals. When these aspects are to be implemented, the
employers and hiring authorities need to take into consideration various factors. These
include, educational qualifications, skills, abilities, demographic factors and so forth. It is
unlawful to discriminate against the individuals on the basis of factors, such as, caste, creed,
race, ethnicity, religion, gender and socio-economic background. On the other hand,
recruiting individuals on the basis of educational qualifications and competencies is
appropriate. Therefore, it is essential to follow proper procedures and policies, particularly
when recruitment and selection of individuals takes place (Avishikta, n.d.).
Employment – Within various types of organizations, there are number of policies that
are related to employment of individuals. These include, minimum hiring qualifications and
experience, sources which would facilitate recruitment and selection, reservation for different
groups, maintenance of effective terms and relationships among the members of the
organization, reliance on various selection devices such as, tests, reference checks and
interviews, placement of new employees and orientation of new employees (Avishikta, n.d.).
The primary objective of employment policies is to generate awareness and augment
understanding among the employees in terms of various aspects of the organization.
Furthermore, the employees need to maintain appropriate terms and relationships with others
and work in harmony. Therefore, it can be stated that employment policies need to render a
significant contribution towards the attainment of desired goals and objectives.
Training and Development – When the employees get recruited within the
organization, they are required to undergo training and development programs. These
programs are attended by the employees not only at the time of recruitment, but also within
the course of implementation of job duties. The employees are able to generate sufficient
awareness in terms of organization as well as in the implementation of job duties. To make
available the facilities for promoting efficient training and development of the employees, it
is necessary to make use of appropriate teaching-learning methods, teaching-learning
materials and instructional strategies. Furthermore, the trainers need to be well-qualified,
competent and put into practice instructional strategies in an appropriate manner. Therefore,
it can be stated, when the initiation of training and development programs takes place, they
have to be in accordance to policies and procedures.
Transfer and Promotion – Transfer and promotion of members are an integral parts of
organization. It is apparent that all employees aspire to attain promotional opportunities, but
it is not necessary that they would require transfer. In order to put into operation, transfer and
promotion in an appropriate manner, it is necessary to formulate policies and procedures.
These need to take into account the factors such as, purpose of transfer, period of transfer,
causes of transfer, availability of promotional opportunities, factors that need to be taken into
consideration to acquire promotional opportunities and period of service within the
organization. In order to acquire promotional opportunities, there are certain aspects that need
to be taken into consideration. These include, providing service to the organization for certain
period of time, possessing sufficient knowledge and competencies, implementing appropriate
behavioural traits, inculcating the traits of morality and ethics and maintaining good terms
and relationships with others. These factors are important on the part of employees, but on
the part of the employers as well, it is necessary to implement policies related to transfer and
promotion in an efficient manner.
Integration and Human Relations – Within the organizations, individuals cannot carry
out their tasks and activities in isolation. Therefore, it is necessary for them to work in
integration and form good terms and relationships with each other. Integration and human
relations with the organizations are referred to as the processes of bringing about
improvements in motivation by encouraging proper working environmental conditions,
training programs, timely payment of wages and so forth. Human relations are referred to an
integrated approach derived from various disciplines such as psychology, sociology,
economics and management. Promoting integration and human relations among the members
of the organization is considered important in augmenting their knowledge and competencies,
so they are able to carry out their job duties in accordance to the expectations of their
employers and incur job satisfaction. Therefore, it can be stated, both employers and
employees need to pay attention towards reinforcement of integration and human relations
policies.
Work Management – Work management policies are the policies that are related to
job duties, responsibilities and well-being of the employees. The work management policies
are referred to as the set of guidelines that structure the plan of the organization for dealing
with an issue. Work management policies are the sources of communication between the
employers and the employees (Policies and Procedures in the Workplace, 2019). The
employers are required to make provision of appropriate information to the workforce in
terms of implementation of job duties. It is the primary job duty of the supervisors to lead the
workforce in the right direction. On the other hand, it is vital on the part of the employees to
stimulate their mind-sets towards work and acquire an efficient understanding of work
management policies. Therefore, it can be stated that work management policies are regarded
to be indispensable in the implementation of job duties satisfactorily as well as in achieving
the desired goals and objectives.
Conclusion
HR policies and procedures are regarded as formal commitments that are focused
upon the ways in which employers deal with the employees. Within the organizational
structure, the members are assigned various job duties in accordance to their educational
qualifications, competencies and aptitude. It is apparent that they need to generate adequate
information in terms of implementation of job duties satisfactorily. Apart from this, it is vital
for them to acquire information in terms of HR policies and procedures as well. Through
these HR policies and procedures, the members of the organization obtain proper guidance
and direction. Within the course of time, changes take place in HR policies and procedures.
The various types of human resources policies are, at-will employment, anti-harassment and
non-discrimination, employment classifications, leave and time off benefits, meals and
breaks, timekeeping and pay, safety and health, employee conduct, attendance and
punctuality, hiring forms, use of technologies and materials, handbook acknowledgements,
performance and discipline, management of resources, conflict resolution methods and
organizational expenses.
The areas in which HR policies and procedures are implemented within the
organization are, recruitment and selection, employment, training and development, labour
welfare, transfer and promotion, worker’s compensation, integration and human relations,
work management, performance appraisal, and administration. Bringing about effective
growth and development of the organization, satisfying customer demands, enhancing its
reputation within the marketplace are some of the objectives of the organization. All the
members of the organization are required to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly towards the
achievement of desired goals and objectives. Therefore, in order to carry out their tasks and
activities in a satisfactory manner, it is necessary to upgrade their knowledge in terms of
modern and innovative methods as well as HR policies and procedures. The members of the
organization need to work in collaboration with each other in order to augment their
understanding and modifying HR policies and procedures. Finally, it can be stated that they
need to be beneficial to the members and organization as a whole.
Bibliography
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HR Policies and Procedures Manual and Employee Handbook. (2019). Retrieved March 05,
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15 Must-Have HR Policies and Forms. (2015). Retrieved March 05, 2020 from
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Policies and Procedures in the Workplace: The Ultimate Guide. (2019). Retrieved March 04,