Workplace policies provide guidance and direction to employees
on topics such as vacation accrual and time off, internet and email
usage, and scheduling overtime. While not mandatory, these
types of workplace policies ensure uniformity and consistency in
decision-making and operational procedures. Workplace
policies can also play a primary role in establishing or confirming
the expectations that employers place on their employees, in areas
such as fitness for work or impairment and appropriate business
expenses and reimbursement procedures. Breaches of these
types of policies can lead to discipline, up to and including
termination in specified circumstances.
While certain policies are not strictly required – though
still beneficial – others are legally mandatory.
Workplace harassment policies fall under the category of those
policies which are mandated by law, though many employers do not
realize the legal obligation to develop and implement this type of
policy.
