Job Descriptions & Policy’s
Why Job Descriptions are Important?
What are Job Descriptions?
Job descriptions do not only form part of a legal requirement for employment contracts but they establish the expectations of work responsibilities that an employee must undertake. They are essential for employers to establish the baseline of performance aligned to achieving business success.
Employment Terms
All employees should have a written job description that forms part for their employment agreement. These need to be signed by the employee.
Details Required:
A job description needs to include a job title, detail of the work performed, what type of experience the employee is required to have (if any), qualifications (if any) and if there are any special requirements regarding the position.
A job description should always include ; other reasonable duties that are required by the employer.
Policy Clauses:
To have a clear job description having clear expectations in relation to common clauses such as Health and Safety expectations are essential as these should form part of a job description.
Effective Job Description Uses
Performance Management
If you find yourself in the position that an employee is not performing, or their performance has declined, you will need to refer directly to the signed Job Description and corresponding expectations.
These need to be clear upfront so you can clearly detail where the employee is underperforming. Performance Management is a complicated process that puts onus on both the employer and employee to increase performance standards. Having clear expectations to start are essential to manage the process correctly.
KPI’s
Having your KPI’s mapped out in a Job Description is a good way to effectively outline your expectations. Avoid any misunderstandings of what an employee is expected to achieve at the beginning of an employment relationship.
Any questions around capability to achieve KPI’s can be addressed straight away. Employee’s will have the clarity they need to understand what they need to do and how they need to do it from day one.
Policy’s
Policies form the backbone of any organisation framework. They set out standards and agreements for both employees and employers.
Not having policies in place can be confusing and problematic.
When issues arise you may not have adequate guidance to deal with them.
All employers must have an employment agreement and policies sit alongside that agreement. Policies outline how employers treat different aspects of the employment relationship and what guidelines they put in place. They also showcase what happens if policies are not followed.
This gives clarity to Managers and Employees allowing them to have a sure footing in the employment relationship.
Top Policy’s
Essential Policies for All Businesses:
Code of Conduct
Health and Safety
Resolving Employee Disputes
Confidentiality
Leave Policy
Surveillance Policy (if required)
Privacy
Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination
Drug and Alcohol
Internet, Social Media and Mobile Phone
Car Policy (if required)
Ensuring you get your Job Descriptions and Policies correct can be complex, if you need expert advice Knowhow can help. Contact us at Knowhow@knowhow.co.nz