Policies, procedures and processes
As part of risk management, it’s important to have clear policies, procedures and processes in place. These create standards and help everyone to know how to operate. Here are some tips on getting your policies, procedures and processes right.
Tips for better policies and processes in your business
By having policies and processes in place, you create standards and values for your business. They can also improve the way your customers and staff deal with your business.
- Identify key processes and tasks in your business, and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each.
- Allow your staff to contribute to the SOPs and regularly review your processes.
- Ensure your policies are documented and accessible.
- Make important procedures such as first-aid and emergency exits clearly visible.
- Communicate your policies to your staff. Help them to understand them and why they are important.
- Educate staff on procedures that are specific to a certain role.
Types of policies for your business
Consider having policies for:
- selling goods and services
- good customer service and staff clothing
- managing stress and mental health
- conflict of interest
- workplace health and safety, including what to do in an emergency
- appropriate use of resources such as computers, internet and social media
- recruitment