subject: What Is A Workplace Policy? [print this page] The term workplace policy is woven into workplace lexicon as a given. But what exactly is a workplace policy and how does your organisation develop one that suits your requirements regarding drug and alcohol monitoring and testing? CMM Technology considers the definition, scope and workings of a successful workplace policy and how this affects the running and structure of your organisation.
Definition
The NSW Industrial Relations Commission defines a workplace policy as a document that reinforces and clarifies standard operating procedures in a workplace. Well written policies help employers manage staff more effectively by defining acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace and set out the implications of not complying with those policies.
It is important to qualify that not all workplace issues require workplace policy. However, the issue of AODs is one area where such a policy is both useful and pragmatic.
The Australian Human Rights Commission suggests that effective drug free workplace policies involve a number of steps to maintain fairness, equity and objectivity:
Develop policy to provide information
Disseminate the policy and its information regularly
Make sure supervisors and managers meet face to face with employees when communicating the policy
Provide training/education for managers and supervisors so they can pinpoint unlawful or unacceptable breaches of the policy
Provide training/educations so that managers/supervisors are able to react appropriately in the event of a breach
Educate workers and peers about correct policy and practices
Provide management with interactive training that develops communication and interpersonal skills
Primary focus needs to be on direct, face to face communications where possible
Seek expert advice from specialists whenever needed
Seek expert advice from specialists outside organisation who can help you develop the most appropriate policy
The added benefits of workplace policy
Distinct benefits arise from policy that is developed appropriately and clearly. These may include:
Augmentation of the organisations values
Augmentation of relevant legislation
Promotion of consistency and uniformity regarding operational procedures
Provides framework for business planning
Provides framework for accountability and responsibility
Covers against legal action
The outcome of successful policy
Successful policy also ensures successful outcomes in the following ways:
Reduces misunderstanding and confusion about drug and alcohol policy
Reduces the possibility of liability for the employer/organisation
Increases workplace harmony
Increases productivity
Policy Checklist
Lastly, the NSW Department of Industrial Relations also outlines a comprehensive policy checklist. Make sure your drug and alcohol policy covers the following:
Sets out the aim of the policy
Explains why it was developed
Lists the groups and individuals that are included within the scope of the policy
Clearly outlines unacceptable and acceptable behaviour
Sets out consequences for non-compliance
Provides date record of policy creation and updates.
CMM Technology can help you with quality testing devices that form the foundation of your drug testing procedure. A good drug and alcohol policy must be clear, effective and easily communicated and understood by all members of the workplace. CMM Technologys associated concern Mediscreen, may also be able to assist with policy ideas and development, particularly when onsite testing by an independent third party is the preferred mode of approach.
And, if you require advice on alcohol testing technologies, please telephone the CMM Technology team who will be able to assist you with your enquiries and offer testing devices that most suit your organisations specific needs.
