Rules for workers may be legally required, but various optional workplace rules should be considered as well. Carefully selected workplace rules can protect your business from legal claims and help you maintain an orderly, positive work environment.

• Safety rules that must be observed
• Absence and tardiness policy (how to report the number of allowable sick days and personal days off)
• How to record time worked (for example, using a time clock or time sheet)
• Lunch period and break rules
• Overtime policy
• Dress code or personal appearance rules
• Rules covering use or damage to employer’s property
• Rules about keeping employer’s and customers’ sensitive information confidential
• All your rules should be reasonable and clearly related to the safe and efficient operation of the business. In general, it’s not necessary to say that things like stealing, insubordination, or competing with your business are prohibited. Employees are expected to know these things, although you can create a written rule if you wish.
  

  Work Rules That Protect You From Legal Claims

  One of the most persuasive reasons for having a set of solid work rules is that they can protect your business.

  Workplace Rules to Defend Against Wrongful Discharge Claims

  Even if you are an at-will employer, which gives you great freedom in letting employees go, to avoid legal hassles when you terminate someone you want your reasoning and your actions to be sound and defensible

  Protection From Discrimination Claims

  If you fire or discipline one employee for breaking a rule and don’t fire someone else for the same action, you could be violating anti-discrimination laws

  • Creating an atmosphere where employees are treated with dignity and respect
  • Helping to ensure that employees conduct themselves in a professional and safe manner
  • Encouraging open communication between you and your employees
  • Ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and that they follow the same rules
    

    Avoid Overly Restrictive Work Rules

    Overly restrictive work rules mean nothing but trouble. Not only do they create unnecessary hardship for employees,