Every business should have some policies and procedures to govern their daily business operationsand to protect the business and their employees. Procedures for each business can differ dependingon the products and/or services provided. Business critical policies and procedures are as follows.
Health and safety
Every business should be committed to offering a healthy and safe working environment for allemployees and visitors. Employees are advised to abide by the safety rules provided and reportunsafe practices to the supervisors immediately.
1. Quality
Businesses should strive to offer quality goods and services to the clients. Products offered shouldmeet the customers’ expectations and even surpass their expectations. Quality services andproducts establish a good reputation and will build a successful business.
2. Environment
Businesses should be committed to minimising their impact on their environment, from simplerecycling process to sophisticated water and waste management techniques. Businesses shouldinvest in projects that are aimed to improve the environment.
3. Code of conduct
Employees should act legally, ethically, and work for the best interest of the business. A code ofconduct within the business should guide employees on how to deal with a wide variety of ethicalsituations. A code of conduct directs employees on how to relate to each other, customers andpotential business partners and networks.
4. Corporate social responsibility
This is a strategic decision where businesses undertake an obligation to the society. For instance, abusiness may offer sponsorship to the community, take care of the environment. This is notnecessary for profit maximisation, but to better the welfare of the public.
5. Employment
Managing your employees and ensuring they understand the position within the business is ofcritical importance. Employees need to understand how Performance Reviews are conducted, theprocess for rehabilitation, safe working conditions, compensation to workers injured at work, non-discrimination at workplaces, and termination conditions.
6. Purchasing
Businesses must value their suppliers, treat them fairly, honestly, offer fair tenders, offer reasonableterms of payment and pay them in good time. Employees also need to understand what areconsidered work expenses, how goods for the business are purchased and what is the purchasingprocess?
7. The Internet and E-mail
Internet and email is a necessary part of our daily business. Having internet and email policies andprocedures provide employees with guidance on what is expected behaviour and acceptable use. Business should also consider having guidelines on Social Media usage within the business.
8. Equal opportunities
Businesses should offer equal employment opportunities. When hiring employees, there should beno discrimination because of color, gender, race, or disability. Guidelines should also include onhow your business handles situations that include a Handicap, Pregnancy, or overall Diversity.
9. Customer service
High quality customer service is the core of every successful business. Good customer service helpsbusinesses prosper and loyal customers often return time and time again, hence increasing sales.
Developing a good working operational model will motivate employees to and develop companystandards. Business policies drive home what is important to the company and allows businessowners and managers to communicate and enforce company policy.
