I love Google! You put in what you’re looking for, like a human resources policy or form and voila!!! There it is, now all you have to do is fill in your company name and you’re good to go…right? WRONG!!
Here’s the thing, does that policy or form you just downloaded represent the core values that you want your employees to follow? For example, say you downloaded an employee review template. The core values represented on that template are flexibility and innovation. If flexibility and innovation aren’t your core values, then why would you have that on your review forms? But, that’s what you may get when you use a non-customized on-line form.
Let’s talk about policies. You need a policy for sexual harassment and you go to the tried and true Google for a policy. But stop, wait – does that policy include all the language outlined by the EEO that needs to included? Does it contain examples describing other illegal forms of harassment besides the sexual variety?
Another consideration: Do the policies or
forms you download from the internet reflect the best practices in your industry AND most importantly, are they worded so rigidly that they may create a contract of employment?
Then there is the job application form. This is probably the most common form that is downloaded for use in small and mid-size companies.
Here’s some of the issues:
- Does it include EEO language?
- Does it include release for information?
- Does it advise consequences of providing false information on the application?
- Does it ask questions that could be perceived as discriminatory, i.e. what year did you graduate high school?
- Does it ask whether the candidate has a criminal record? Ban the box is becoming more prevalent.
This ad hoc style of creating policies and forms is much more likely to produce inconsistent, uninformed, and legally questionable decisions that may cripple an otherwise successful business. Policies or forms that are based on faulty or incomplete data will almost certainly result in legal liability, and that can not only create a decline in employee morale but also a big hit to your bank account. There are a myriad of other risk issues that that are created by using non-customized forms and policies that would take me three more blogs to write about. You don’t have time for that.
Save yourself some time, and some liability. We can develop policies and forms that are customized to your company. When creating forms, policies, and an overall HR strategy we always consider company culture, your industry, state and national laws, internal branding, and of course all forms of legal compliance. However, one of the most important things we consider when writing these policies is the overall tone of your message and how it will impact your company and employees long-term.
We work with companies just like yours every day. Give us a call and speak to one of our HR professionals at 913.940.5391 and visit our web site at www.hr-haven.com. We’re here to support and help grow your unique culture by developing human resources processes and practices that fit YOUR Company.