Security Policies and Implementation Issues, 3rd Edition

The Role of Human Resources Policies

Well-defined HR policies provide the framework that governs employee relations. HR policies state core business values and what is expected. They can also prevent misunderstandings. Managers are more likely to engage a worker on sensitive topics, such as lack of performance, when there’s a clear process they can follow to stay out of trouble. Like any written record, the HR policies can be used against an organization in a lawsuit. Poorly drafted policies become evidence to support an employee’s contention that he or she acted within company expectations.

Although HR policies must demonstrate commitment to secure business practices and clearly state values, they must be flexible and defensible in a court ...