A workplace policy and/or practice must be more than legally compliant. It must also recognize the practical realities of the particular workplace. Our team is known for its ability to efficiently and strategically assist clients design and implement workplace policies tailored to their individual work environments.
Drafting a policy is intricate work, and the devil is almost always in the detail. Our approach is to ensure the policy meets our client’s operational objective, and legal requirements without overpromising or overreaching.
Implementation is the next crucial step. Even the best written policy is of little significance if not implemented well. In our experience, a well-implemented policy or practice is:
- Relevant: Management and employees should understand how and why the policy or practice is relevant to and fits into their day-to-day responsibilities.
- Proportional: The effect on day-to-day responsibilities must be seen to be reasonable and rational, neither overreaching nor attempting to attain a “gold standard” that may not be necessary.
- Consistent: The policy or practice must be seen to be applied consistently and fairly so as not to lose credibility within the workplace.
- Flexible: The policy or practice must be a living document, able to adapt to reflect the organization’s business realities as they may change from time to time
The following are examples of some of the policies we have assisted clients draft and implement:
- Accessibility in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
- Discrimination and harassment
- Employee handbooks (covering a wide range of policies and practices)
- Behavioural expectations
- Progressive discipline
- Attendance management
- Alcohol and drug testing
- Workplace violence and harassment (per the Occupational Health and Safety Act)
- Privacy
- Social media in the workplace
- Information technology and computer usage
- Document retention and destruction
- COVID-19 and the workplace
Finally, we are regularly asked to serve as keynote speakers in leading employment and labour relations conferences on the topic of policy development and implementation and frequently publish on these topics.