Policy & Procedure Management

Let's talk about strategic approaches to policy and procedure management.

Steven Arnold
Steve A
I recently revised our Employee Handbook with all of the basic things that new employees need to know when they start and older employees might need to look at every once in a while when something comes up that is now impacting them that didn't before. Looking at the old version, I noticed that several sections were also policies in the policy manual. Upon further research, I discovered that the policies had been revised and approved, while the handbook had been used for several years without change. I made the Handbook mirror the policies that were in force. Then I noted in each section of the Handbook that had a related policy, what the policy number/title was and where it could be found in our policy manuals. I think having a freestanding policy for each topic is a good thing, but they need to be identified in any other document where they are used that they are out there and referenced in the handbooks with a note advising the employees to check the policy before acting on the information in the handbook.
Steven Arnold
Steven Arnold
Steve A
I recently revised our Employee Handbook with all of the basic things that new employees need to know when they start and older employees might need to look at every once in a while when something comes up that is now impacting them that didn't before. Looking at the old version, I noticed that several sections were also policies in the policy manual. Upon further research, I discovered that the policies had been revised and approved, while the handbook had been used for several years without change. I made the Handbook mirror the policies that were in force. Then I noted in each section of the Handbook that had a related policy, what the policy number/title was and where it could be found in our policy manuals. I think having a freestanding policy for each topic is a good thing, but they need to be identified in any other document where they are used that they are out there and referenced in the handbooks with a note advising the employees to check the policy before acting on the information in the handbook.
Andrea Ihara
Yes, version control is a big concern that lives in Policy Management. Not only is making sure that all the staff is using the latest version, but also preventing the possible legal or procedural risks inherent with an old or outdated document. Should you ever decide to purchase a document management platform, version control should be a key feature to look for.
Andrea Ihara
Andrea Ihara commented
Yes, version control is a big concern that lives in Policy Management. Not only is making sure that all the staff is using the latest version, but also preventing the possible legal or procedural risks inherent with an old or outdated document. Should you ever decide to purchase a document management platform, version control should be a key feature to look for.
Greg Ventura
I would also add that I would strip down the Employee Handbook of anything that might be referenced in your policies and just refer the users there. Duplication of information will mean that you are always in danger of not being in sync.
Greg Ventura
Greg Ventura commented
I would also add that I would strip down the Employee Handbook of anything that might be referenced in your policies and just refer the users there. Duplication of information will mean that you are always in danger of not being in sync.