Setting out rules
The setting of clear rules is important because:
- Both employees and employer benefit from a clear understanding of what is acceptable/unacceptable behaviour;
- Consistency in application gives employees a sense of fairness;
- Performance is at least set at a minimum acceptable standard;
- Employees are aware of the consequences of failure to abide by the rules.
What do you need to do?
- Decide the culture you want to encourage in your organisation;
- Consult with managers, employees and their representatives about the rules;
- Ensure the rules are as clear and simple as possible;
- Make every effort to explain why the rules are necessary and ensure they are understood;
- Put the rules in writing.
What sort of rules are needed?
- Most organisations need to cover subjects such as absences, health and safety, performance standards, capability, timekeeping, holidays and use of company facilities;
- Under the heading "absence", for example, indicate when a doctor's certificate is necessary;
- It is especially important to distinguish what constitutes misconduct from gross misconduct e.g. misconduct might include unauthorised absence but gross misconduct might cover fighting at work;
- Procedures for grievance and discipline need to be set out in a clear and simple format.
Where to go for help
- Please call us on 730503 for further advice/assistance.
*The Employment (Jersey) Law 2003 requires written statements to indicate the existence or otherwise of such procedures.