Why are policies & procedures so important? (page 2 of 2)

These clues could include more staff questions on "normal operations" or a feeling of general confusion within a department or division. Employees may also be demonstrating inconsistency in their job performance and there may be an increase in the workforce's stress levels. Finally, your customers may provide additional clues in the form of increasing complaints.

Now that we have a better understanding of policies & procedures let's take a look at the major benefits they provide. First, employees are provided with information that allows them freedom to carry out their job and make decisions within defined boundaries. Second, employees understand the constraints of their job without using a "trail and error" approach. Third, policies & procedures enable the workforce to clearly understand individual & team responsibilities. Finally, clearly written policies & procedures allow managers to exercise control by exception rather than "micro-manage" their staff.

It's easy to see that well-written policies & procedures benefit the company as well as the employee. From an employee perspective the guidelines provided in policies and procedures allow workers to perform their jobs with respect and dignity. Polices provide guidance on how to handle issues properly as well as clearly identifying their job constrains. The organization benefits by allowing managers the freedom to concentrate on strategic issues because policies and procedures are in place to guide the normal-day-to-day operations.