Policies should follow three simple rules:
- Policies should help achieve a business goal. A manager must be able to clearly and succinctly explain what a policy is designed to accomplish. Furthermore, the policy must clearly be more effective at achieving the business goal than informal behavior.
- Policies should not create unreasonable work. While it is acceptable for a policy to necessitate some additional work, the work should not be excessively time consuming or cumbersome.
- Policies should be enforced, and employees must be aware of the consequences of violation.
Use the Policy Documentation Template tab to brainstorm policies and determine if they pass the three-rule test.