More than Rules: Why Policies Matter

I write mostly for US-based early-stage companies run by first time founders. If you’re an experienced leader who’s successfully scaled teams and company cultures and have anything to add, please comment below.

The HR and legal space is very dynamic, ever-evolving alongside shifts in our social cultures as well as the employment laws that impact non-negotiables at the federal, state, and often local levels. Company operations and policies - how we work - impact a company’s culture, a team’s performance, and the overall success of an organization.?

Generally, workplace policies are non-negotiable and are as dynamic as the landscape they’re part of but making sure everyone follows these policies isn't easy. That's where training managers becomes crucial. Policies are the rules that guide how a company manages its employees. They cover things like conduct, how performance is evaluated, and what benefits they get. These policies ensure that the company follows the law and creates a fair and positive work environment.

When it comes to policies, managers have several essential responsibilities that actually make them your front line against compliance violations:

• They have to communicate policies clearly to their teams so everyone understands what's expected.?
• They have to make sure everyone follows the policies and deal with any issues that come up.?
• People often go to their managers with questions or problems. Managers need to give them the right information and support. This is a legal responsibility that the company has to employees and can’t be left up to chance.??
• Policies will guide how managers evaluate their employees' performance and advocate for raises and promotions or performance improvement support.

Why Manager Training Matters

Since managers play such a big role in keeping your company compliant, giving them proper training is crucial because:

• Well-trained managers are more likely to apply policies consistently, reducing the risk of legal problems and creating a fair workplace.
• Training helps managers explain policies better, so everyone understands them more and hates them (the policies) less.?
• Managers who understand policies well can avoid legal issues that might arise from misinterpreting or inconsistently applying them.
• Trained managers can handle conflicts related to policies more effectively, keeping issues from rising to the executive level, taking up more time, energy, and focus than they may call for.?
• When policies are applied consistently, employees trust the company more, leading to higher morale and engagement.

Implementing workplace policies effectively is crucial for a successful workplace, and managers are key to making it happen. Training them in policies ensures everyone understands the rules, leading to a fairer and more positive workplace. Investing in manager training pays off by creating an environment where policies are clear, consistent, and contribute to employee satisfaction and success.