Don't Write Policies for Chad.
Written by HRuprise founder, Rebecca Weaver.
Most workplace policies read like the instructions on a shampoo bottle. “Apply to hair, lather with water, and rinse.”
Thank you, Captain Obvious.
We write infantilizing company policies to target that one employee, out of dozens or hundreds, who needs that level of detailed instruction on basic human behavior. Let’s call him Chad.
Chad lacks common sense.
(No, Chad, the company computer is not the place to watch porn on your lunch break!)
Chad lacks good judgment, and sometimes takes advantage of his employer’s trust.
(FFS, Chad, you can’t use the company business account to buy things for your train collection!)
Chad needs a kick in the ass. I don’t need an employee handbook to tell me that.
Your company policies shouldn’t legislate to the lowest common denominator. Don’t write them as if your entire workforce is comprised of Chads.
Most of your employees are adult humans who know how to behave like… adult humans.
Most won’t abuse a remote work option.
Most will use unlimited PTO conscientiously.
Most won’t badmouth you on social media.
Etc. etc. f*cking etc.
This is not to say you should replace all your workplace policies with the phrase, “Act like an adult,” and leave it at that.
You do need to specify your expectations, and hold employees accountable when they don’t meet them.
But don’t address your employees as they don’t have common sense.
If you’ve done your job right in the hiring process, the majority of your team won’t need basic adulting spelled out for them.
If Chad later complains, “You never SAID I couldn’t ride my electric skateboard through the office!”... well, you have a bigger issue on your hands. No employee handbook can save you from that.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: REBECCA WEAVER
Rebecca Weaver is the Founder and CEO of HRuprise, a marketplace that connects people with HR coaches to help them grow, develop, and navigate their toughest workplace challenges. LEARN MORE
