Creating policies for your company is important to ensuring everyone is on the same page in the workplace. However, some of those rules and protocols might warrant specific employee training.
Offering training programs on a variety of important workplace topics, from sexual harassment to compliance and ethics, will hold staff accountable for their actions in the workplace. Here’s how to ensure employees are adhering to company policies and some specific training processes to put in place.
Types of workplace training
While not an exhaustive list, here are some of the most important training processes to consider implementing at your business. Keep in mind that some of these trainings, such as workplace safety and job-related training for in-person functions, may not apply if your company is fully remote.
Sexual harassment training
Depending on your company’s location, sexual harassment training might be required. However, businesses in all states can benefit from offering this type of training to ensure a safe workplace. Offer this training either online or in person so all employees understand how to conduct themselves in the workplace.
Nondiscrimination and anti-retaliation
Some jurisdictions require employers to address abusive conduct, discrimination, and retaliation with employees and supervisors. Training should encompass information and guidance on discrimination and retaliation — even providing examples of prohibited conduct. Training staff on how to report these issues is just as important.
Compliance and ethics training
Your company might be responsible for criminal misconduct by employees, so promoting a culture of compliance with the law and ethical business procedures through training will help avoid such issues. Cover your company’s policies and prevention methods to address any potential wrongdoings.
[Read more: How to Create an Employee Training Program]
Everyone in your company should adhere to your policies and procedures, no matter what level or position.
Safety training
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's regulations require employers to train staff in the safety and health aspects of their job. An emergency action plan, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, and first aid might be necessary training depending on your business.
Job- or industry-specific training
Certain state and federal regulations require companies to train employees who have specific job functions. For example, Hazardous Materials Regulations require employers to provide safety training for staff directly dealing with the transportation of hazardous materials. You can check your industry requirements for more information.
Performance management training
Supervisors should receive training on effectively managing employee performance. Training should include the company’s performance review processes and guidelines on how to give constructive feedback.
Tips for ensuring compliance with company policies
- Document your company’s procedures. Verbally communicating to your employees about new policies and procedures and expecting them to remember can be overwhelming for staff. Provide your staff with written guidelines that are easy to understand and accessible to all.
- Consistently apply policies and procedures. Everyone in your company should adhere to your policies and procedures, no matter what level or position. Review policies with your staff on a regular basis, and make them part of your company culture.
- Reinforce with training. Ensure compliance with procedures and policies through regular training. If your team is familiar with your rules and protocols, they will be less likely to go against them in any way.
- Stay current. Laws and regulations can change as your company grows. Human resources (HR) is critical in this aspect to stay up-to-date on the latest laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
- Reward employees who follow your procedures. Recognizing and rewarding correct behavior motivates employees. People appreciate when their employer rewards them for following procedures correctly and encourages others to do the same.
- Use tools and software to simplify compliance. Manual data entry and paper copies can leave you with more errors than if you used software and tools that are designed to handle HR, billing benefits, and compliance paperwork. Keep software updated and ensure it reflects current legislation and policies.
- Communicate with employees why policies are necessary. Employees won’t take your protocols seriously if they believe they’re unnecessary or irrelevant to their responsibilities. What is the deeper reason your employees should follow these guidelines? Let your team know why the rules are in place.
[Read more: What is Employee Training and Development?]
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