HR DOCUMENTATION
Policies
A full set of clearly defined policies are an essential tool in protecting a business from breaching National Employment Standards. Through the development of policies, existing workplace processes and established cultural behaviours are reviewed, to determine what is working for the business and ensure that these practices meet legal requirements. The next step is to develop the HR policies and activate the documents by ensuring they are accessible and available in a format that is clear and easy for all employees to understand.
We develop policies that are relevant and specific to the needs of the individual business, and reflect its position and expectations. Although policies are not contractually binding, these documents can be used to outline required standards and are useful for both employees and managers in guiding appropriate behaviours and actions at work.
Policies are a powerful way for businesses to clearly document its position on a variety of sometimes sensitive topics, and can provide a level of protection should an employee bring forward any claims against the business. At the very least, access to policies and procedures gives employees and management a reference point for discussions around common workplace matters.
Working with a range of businesses across different industries, our HR consultants can develop policies addressing areas such as drug and alcohol tolerance, bullying and harassment, leave management, travel and expenses, and expectations around IT and social media use, to name just a few.
Employment Contracts
Employment contracts are developed specifically for the individual needs of a business, taking into account any industry relevant aspects of the workplace. Alternatively, existing employment contracts can be reviewed and any gaps highlighted that need to be amended to ensure compliance with the Fair Work Act. It is important to look at the relevant awards and ensure the contract reflects any employee entitlements.
All too often, there are some fundamental inclusions required by law in employment contracts that employers unknowingly omit!
We work closely with business owners to determine what is important to include in the employment contract, and we structure this document for easy updating as new starters come onboard, saving time and effort. We ensure that key information is clear and easy to understand, and avoid the legal jargon that can erode trust between an employee and employer at the critical initial stages of employment. It is essential that employment contracts stipulate the legal requirements and obligations of the employer and set out important expectations of the employee, providing a workable document that offers the best protection available to the employer under the Fair Work Act.