What Are Company Policies?

Company policies are frameworks that describe workplace rules and regulations. They define practices and guidelines to manage potential business issues. Company policies direct how employees, employers, and all relevant stakeholders must act and carry out the company’s work. They set clear expectations for everyone’s actions in different scenarios. 

  • By outlining etiquette and professional boundaries, company policies prevent workplace incidents and help employees and employers navigate crises
  • These policies also ensure sensitive data protection, promote fairness, facilitate smooth change management, and enable informed decision-making
  • As a business expands, company policies ensure process standardization and improved efficiency. They clarify procedures and make employees understand how to deliver consistent value to customers
  • Company policies also improve compliance with organizational values and legal regulations

With these policies in place, you can review the existing compliance environment, including project compliance and change policies based on updated laws and industry best practices. 

Workplace health and safety

Workplace health and safety procedures and policies lay down procedures to prevent workplace accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency in the US, sets guidelines for protecting workers and creating a safe workplace. For instance, it provides the steps to handle hazardous materials, file a complaint, report severe injuries and fatalities, and more.

Employee code of conduct

The employee code of conduct dictates how employees must behave in the workplace. It outlines specific rules regarding dress code, accountability, compliance with laws, data security, confidentiality, sexual harassment, substance abuse, and even the use of social media during work hours. 

Equal opportunity policy

An equal opportunity policy applies to all current and future employees of the company. It underscores the company’s commitment to providing equal employment opportunities without discrimination. 

This policy adheres to US Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws that prevent workplace discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, nationality, or disability. Equal opportunity policy is essential to ensure inclusivity and diversity within the company. 

Employee disciplinary action

A disciplinary policy outlines appropriate disciplinary action employers can take in response to employee misconduct, poor performance, or rule violations. It covers various reprimands—from warnings for minor infringement to severe actions like demotion, suspension, and termination for major violations.