Do I Need an HR Policy?

Policies are like your company’s “rules of play.” They provide context, constraints, and direction for your business and the players on the field. And for practical reasons, it’s imperative to have those policies written down. 

But when is the last time you dusted off the employee handbook and really had a look at your policies?  Are they up to date?  Do they reflect the latest employment trends?  Updating employee policies and manuals can help set clear boundaries, prevent misunderstandings, and ultimately protect your business.  

While some policies are required by law, it's not the only reason they are necessary. In addition to protecting your organization from legal claims, policies play an important role in fostering a culture of trust, fairness, and inclusion. 

The right HR policies set out obligations, standards of behaviour and document disciplinary procedures (among many other things). Their specific function can vary widely, including but not limited to:  

• HR policies provide legal protection to your company 

• Transparently communicate the conditions of employment 

• Form a basis for treating all employees fairly and equally 

• Establish guidelines for supervisors and managers  

• Create the foundation for developing the employee handbook  

• Provide a ‘how-to’ on how to apply policies across all levels of an organization 

• Ensure all policies are aligned to legal requirements and best practices 

• Giving a clear picture of career growth in the organization 

• They speed up the decision-making process on various HR matters 

• They help create a safe and healthy working environment 

• In this newest addition to our ongoing HR Series, we will look at some must-have policy frameworks, their scope, and their purpose in this two-hour, interactive webinar. 

While this session is part of a series, participants are not required to attend all sessions in the series or attend in any sequence.  Each session can be attended independently.  

Disclaimer: The content of this presentation is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. 

Delivery Method: Virtual Session – Zoom Meetings  

Course Fee Includes: Access to the course, course materials, and upon completion a digital certificate if requested.  

This course is delivered in partnership with local and provincial construction associations across Canada. You will be participating with a group of industry peers from multiple regions.

There are no prerequisites for this course.   While this course is part of a series, participants are not required to attend all course in the series or attend in any sequence.  Each course in the series can be attended independently. 

1. Computer or laptop

• • This course will involve on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content (slides or videos), and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, cellphones may not be adequate. 

  • Windows 10 or Mac iOS. 

2. Webcam (Mandatory)– in order to engage and collaborate, participants will be expected to have their webcams on for the duration of the class

3. Microphone (Mandatory)

4. Internet connection- For best results, you will want to ensure you have an internet connection with an upload/download speed of 3-5 Mbps. You can test your internet speed here. The minimum recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps, but anything below 3 Mbps may result in loss of quality or buffering. Ideally hardwired connection versus wireless for stability - connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable, rather than using your home wi-fi.

5. A quiet space with minimal distractions –The microphone will be engaged for interactive sessions. Please plan to be fully engaged in the class and clear your work schedule just as you would for the in-class program.

6. Comfortable chair

This course is an introductory course designed to be beneficial for everyone attend.  Those that are new to a Human Resources (HR) role or anyone that performs HR tasks within a company, as well as supervisors or managers may find this session of value.  

“Pamela is clear and extremely knowledgeable. It is so nice to be in a course where the instructor is fluent in the description and explanations.”