Why We Follow Policies

Ladies and Gentlemen--

I want to introduce a novel concept, FOLLOW THE POLICY. It seems that many managers and employees alike feel that policies are made simply for us to come up with exceptions. This is not the case and there are actually some really good reasons why we follow policies. They give us order and direction when managing our staff. These are the rules, they are put in a place where all can see them so we all know what the rules are. It is great when individuals use them. They help us be consistent with all of our employees.

When we deviate from policy we fail to be consistent. This is when employees complain that we are not being fair or even worse, we have favorites. Now I know that this is not a one size fits all world. These shades of gray are what I consider job security. However we need to draw the line somewhere. If the dress code policy says no leggings, then no leggings even if they are "cute". If the attendance policy says 7 minutes late is a tardy, then it is a tardy even if there was snow.
And on that point--I believe that 1 minute late is tardy so think of the other 6 as a gift.

So my job as chief policy wrangler, is to make sure we are following the policies and with my magic wand grant exceptions where they are reasonable or when upper management says I have no choice.

A little about me

You have no reason to believe anything I say here, if you don't know a little about me and my background.

I am an HR professional by choice. HR was actually one of my majors in school. I have worked in Fortune 500 Companies, a national public accounting firm, and a small community hospital. At times it feels like I have hit all the industries, but I am sure there are some that I have missed. Once upon a time I had my PHR designation, but due to my procrastination I lost it for failure to complete the needed education. This is something that I kick myself regularily over and I am currently studying to take the SPHR test. I am a member of SHRM and my local chapter as well, though I must admit I have never been all that active.

I know that over the next weeks, months and dare I say it...years, you will learn even more than me than what I have provided in this short thumbnail sketch. Here is to the future.

Workers Comp

Ok, this happened a while ago, but it constantly blows my mind.

How many of you have had an employee who got injured on the job, you as the good employer covered all medical expenses, adjusted work duties to accommodate the injury and comply to doctors orders. You have had the employee working a full schedule even when you are making up work as you go and you have never been anything other than nice for this person. Then one day while you are at work you find out that this employee is suing you.

To this day, I am not sure what I am being sued for or why this individual feels less than whole in any capacity. To those who deal with this more often than I, do current employees sue often? I would never dream of suing my employer while I am employed. It just doesn't sound smart, but what do I know?

Welcome!

Welcome to That HR State of Mind! While this isn't my first blog, I hope it is the first one that someone reads :). I hope we can meet here to talk about things in the HR world. I will give advice (though I am not a lawyer or on your payroll), I will tell you great stories that are all purely fiction (wink, wink), I may rant and I will probably rave. I hope you enjoy your stay and decide to visit again.