: +44 (0)7505 235 568 
Creating and implementing the right policies and procedures is essential for small business owners to maintain order, compliance, and efficiency within their companies.
Clear and documented company policies benefit both employees and employers, as well as contributing to the overall success of your small business.
For example, outlining employees’ rights and expectations within your company helps set behavioural and performance standards for the workplace, and gives employees an overall framework of how to be successful at your company. Workplace policies also help to protect your business and contribute to a safe and more enjoyable work environment for all.
There are certain business policies that you need to implement to comply with the laws and legislation in your location and specific industry, as well as your own needs. Below is a list of the top 10 policies and procedures as well as some tips to help you decide what policies and procedures you should consider adding to your Staff Manual or Employee Handbook.
1. Health and Safety Policy:
Ensures a safe work environment, outlining safety procedures, emergency protocols, and reporting mechanisms.
2. Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity (EO) Policy:
States the company’s commitment to equal opportunities in employment.
3. Employee Code of Conduct:
This policy outlines expected behaviour, ethics, and standards of conduct for employees.
4. Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy:
Defines zero-tolerance for discrimination and harassment, promoting a safe and inclusive workplace.
5. Discipline, Dismissal & Grievance Policy:
Provides a clear structure to address an employee’s conduct or performance, including potential termination of employment, and how to deal with a problem or complaint that an employee raises.
6. Attendance, Holiday and Time Off Policy:
Outlines the procedures for dealing with unauthorised absence as well as employee entitlements to various types of leave (sick leave, holidays, parental leave etc.) and the process for requesting time off.
7. Privacy and Data Protection Policy:
Addresses data privacy and protection, including customer and employee data, in compliance with relevant laws.
8. Internet, Social Media and Online Communication Policy:
Sets guidelines for appropriate use of the internet, social media and online communication (including email) on behalf of the business.
9. IT and Cybersecurity Policy:
Defines the rules, regulations and guidelines for the proper usage, security and maintenance of the company’s IT system; also focuses on protecting digital assets, including data, from cyber threats and breaches.
10. Flexible Working Policy:
Sets out the procedures for employees to make a request for flexible working arrangements.
Other policies which you may wish to consider implementing, depending on the nature and size of your business, and the type of industry in which you operate:
11. Conflict of Interest Policy:
Defines situations where conflicts of interest may arise and provides guidelines for disclosure and resolution.
12. Home / Remote / Hybrid Working Policy:
Aims to ensure fairness, collaboration and productivity as employees move freely back and forth between the office and their desired remote working environments. Also outlines the working hours you expect from anyone working remotely.
13. Quality Policy:
Demonstrates the commitment your business has made to providing quality services and products.
14. Environmental Management Policy:
Reflects your company’s environmental awareness and sustainability principles, including your commitment to minimising your impact on the environment, from simple recycling processes to sophisticated water and waste management techniques.
It’s important to remember that these policies should be reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect changes in laws, regulations, and your business environment. Additionally, you should always consult with legal experts to ensure full compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.
These general guidelines were prepared with the needs and requirements of UK based small businesses in mind but can be tailored to fit other locations.
