Every small business should have some policies and procedures to govern their daily business operations and to protect the business and their employees. Procedures for each business can differ depending on the products and/or services provided. Business critical policies and procedures include:

Health and Safety Policies Procedures #1

Every business should be committed to offering a healthy and safe working environment for all employees and visitors. A Health and Safety Policy demonstrates your commitment to your staff, contractors and visitors to keep them safe. Health and Safety procedures demonstrate how your going to keep your workers safe.

Quality Policies Procedures #2

Businesses should strive to offer quality goods and services to their clients. Products offered should meet the customers’ expectations and even surpass their expectations. Quality services and products establish a good reputation and will build a successful business. A Quality Policy should demonstrate the commitment your business will make to providing quality services and products. To continue running your business with high standards its important to constantly keep those quality standards in check.

Environment Policies Procedures #3

Businesses should be committed to minimising their impact on their environment, from simple recycling processes to sophisticated water and waste management techniques. Businesses should invest in projects that are aimed to improve the environment. Consumers, governments, communities and industry groups increasingly expect organisations’ practices to reflect environmental awareness, sustainability principles, and social and financial responsibility. Implementing a Environmental Management System with documented policies and procedures will set you apart from your competitors and will help you to win new business.

Code of Conduct Policies Procedures #4

Employees should act legally, ethically, and work for the best interest of the business. A code of conduct within the business should guide employees on how to deal with a wide variety of ethical situations. A code of conduct directs employees on how to relate to each other, customers and potential business partners and networks.

Corporate Social Responsibility Policies Procedures #5

This is a strategic decision where businesses undertake an obligation to the society. For instance, a business may offer sponsorship to the community, take care of the environment. This is not necessarily for profit maximisation, but to better the welfare of the public. 

Employment Policies Procedures #6

Managing your employees and ensuring they understand the position within the business is of critical importance.  Employees need to understand how Performance Reviews are conducted, the process for rehabilitation, safe working conditions, compensation to workers injured at work, non-discrimination at workplaces, and termination conditions.

Purchasing Policies Procedures #7

Businesses must value their suppliers, treat them fairly, honestly, offer fair tenders, offer reasonable terms of payment and pay them in good time. Employees also need to understand what are considered work expenses, how goods for the business are purchased and what is the purchasing process?

The Internet and E-mail Policies Procedures #8

Internet and email is a necessary part of our daily business. Having internet and email policies and procedures provide employees with guidance on what is expected behaviour and acceptable use.  Businesses should also consider having guidelines on Social Media usage within the workplace.

Equal Opportunities Policies Procedures #9

Businesses should offer equal employment opportunities. When hiring employees, there should be no discrimination because of color, gender, race, or disability.  Guidelines should also include procedures on how your company handles situations that include a Handicap, Pregnancy, or overall Diversity.

Customer Service Policies Procedures #10

High quality customer service is the core of every successful business. Good customer service helps businesses prosper and loyal customers often return time and time again, hence increasing sales.

Bottom Line

Developing a good working operational model through well documented policies and procedures will motivate employees and develop good company standards. Business policies drive home what is important to the company and allows business owners and managers to communicate and enforce company policy.