The world of work has undergone significant changes over the past couple of decades. Even in the face of these changes, there are still some policies that company managers just don’t want to let go of. Human resource management professionals are left wondering why management can’t get rid of those policies that are an embarrassment.
When HR managers spend so much time on recruiting and retaining top talent, it’s assumed that the company will treat them like the talented adults that they are. Here are just a few of the most egregious company policies that should be discarded once and for all in 2016.
Requiring employees to bring in a note from their doctor – Most illnesses such as colds or flu shouldn’t require a visit to the doctor. The best thing to do when you’re sick is to be at home resting and taking care of yourself. Companies that demand a doctor’s excuse are putting out the wrong message to their workers. Such policies treat an employee who calls in sick as if they’re s making an excuse so they can goof off. Give them the benefit of the doubt and treat them professionally and with respect so that they can focus on getting well.
Policies that allow salaried employees to work well into the night yet penalize them for being the least bit late in the morning – Today’s employees are driven and will stay late when and if the job requires it. Management can go a long way toward employee loyalty if they would allow for morning tardiness from time to time.
Requiring managerial approval for an employee to transfer to another department – This kind of corporate policy feels a whole lot like the childhood game where players must ask, “May I.” Such policies are only useful if you want to drive your company’s talent out the door and to another company.
Requiring employees to bring in an obituary or funeral notice when taking bereavement leave – This kind of employee policy is one of the most insensitive and demeaning in existence. Any employee who has ever had to suffer the pain of losing a loved one should not have to ‘prove’ their loss. Of all of the outdated company policies that should be done away with, this one should be the first to go.
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