Write a policy for the George’s Hotel Employee Handbook.
INSTRUCTIONS
HR professionals are often confronted with employee relations issues in the workplace and faced with deciding the best approach in handling these issues. Company policies are created to establish expectations and to provide guidance on how to consistently handle workplace situations. Although most company policies are not all-encompassing, they provide direction regarding what is appropriate as well as inappropriate or unacceptable behavior. Company policies help maintain order within the organization and ensure that people are treated fairly and equally. Policies also help employees understand what is expected of them.
Each HR team will write a policy for the George’s Hotel Employee Handbook. Each team will work to develop a policy, but each member may need to adjust their policy according to local or state laws. Once you have developed your policy each member should post their policy to:
- D2L Discussion Board, Week Four, Employee Handbook Policy
- In your discussion tread post identify which state you represent.
This assignment is worth 20 points and will be graded according to the criteria below.
POLICY CRITERIA
Purpose statement. The purpose statement outlines why the organization is issuing the policy and what the desired effect or outcome will be. For example, “Employees contribute to the corporate culture and reputation of [Company Name] in the way they present themselves. A professional appearance is essential to a favorable impression with customers, regulators and company shareholders (owners). Good grooming and appropriate dress reflect employee pride and inspire confidence on the part of such persons.”
Specifications section. This section includes details about specific regulations, requirements or organizational behavior standards that the policy is creating. For example, “Employees are expected to dress in business attire Monday through Thursday. On Friday’s employees are permitted to wear casual attire unless there is an event at the workplace or the employee has any meetings with external clients or vendors that day.”
Implementation section. This section indicates which parties are responsible for carrying out policy statements and how those parties will ensure adherence to the policy. For example, “Managers will exercise discretion in determining appropriateness in appearance.”
Effective date. This date indicates when the policy is considered in force. For example, “All employees will be subject to this new policy/revision as of [date].”
Glossary. A listing of definitions for terms found in the policy (for example, “casual shirts: All shirts with collars, including collared blouses, golf and polo shirts.”).
SAMPLE POLICY
Student Loan Assistance Policy
Objective
The objective of this policy is to assist in repaying student loan debt to further the financial well-being of employees.
Policy
The student loan assistance program provides eligible employees up to $300 per month paid directly to the employee’s student loan servicer. Employees are expected to continue to make minimum monthly payments to the loan servicer in addition to the assistance provided under this policy. Student loan assistance is limited to $3,600 per year with a $10,000 cap and is reported as taxable income on the employee’s W-2.
Eligibility
Eligible employees include full-time employees who have received a graduate or undergraduate degree within five years of the date the employee first applies for assistance under this policy. New employees are eligible after [amount of time] of continuous employment with The George’s Hotel.
Student loan assistance payments will continue for employees on an unpaid leave of absence for up to one year.
Loans eligible for repayment assistance include U.S.-based education loans borrowed by the employee for the employee’s own education.
Procedures
Eligible employees must complete a student loan assistance application and provide proof of graduation documentation and loan documentation. Loan documentation must include:
- Employee’s name.
- Loan servicer’s name.
- Loan account number.
- Current balance.
- Required monthly payment amount.
- Monthly payment due date.
The amount of student loan assistance paid to the loan servicer each month will be the employee’s minimum monthly payment or $200, whichever is less.
Student loan assistance payments will begin on the 1st of the month following receipt and approval of a completed application. Employees will receive written notice of approval or denial of the loan assistance application.
Termination
Loan assistance payments will cease immediately upon an employee’s voluntary or involuntary termination from employment with the George’s Hotel or change in eligibility status, such as a reduction to part-time hours.
HOSP 256-001
Each team consists of a member from each city where there is a George’s Hotel: Chicago, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco. Together discuss the basic policy you want to be included in the employee handbook. Then individually decide if the policy needs to be tweaked to meet any state or local regulations.
Team 1: Attendance Policy
Team 2: Cell Phone Usage Policy
Team 3: Dress Code
Team 4: Marijuana Policy
Team 5: Smoking and E-Cigarettes
Team 6: Paid Family/Sick Leave
Team 7: Employment of Relatives/Nepotism
Team 8: Social Media Policy
Team 9: Violence and Weapons
Team 10: Anti-harassment
Team 11: Progressive Discipline
