Open Discussion
Now keep in mind that your team will need some time to come up with policy statements and procedures. Allow them that time – perhaps six weeks or so – to conduct research and to develop a well-thought-out policy before asking for their suggestions.
After that six-week period, offer to meet with your team to gather and to discuss information. Carefully review each person's contributions, asking questions whenever appropriate. Like a good news reporter, be sure to ask the "Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How" questions about each policy and procedure:
- Who does this policy affect?
- What does the policy hope to accomplish?
- What costs are involved with this policy?
- When will the policy take effect?
- Where are any limitations or exceptions?
- Why is this policy needed, or does a similar policy already exist that may need to be updated?
- How will this policy be monitored or enforced?
- How does this policy support our company philosophy and mission statement?
- How will this policy affect our ability to attract quality candidates?
- How has our organization handled this issue in the past?
In a discussion on this policy, other team members may feel more information is needed on personal Internet usage on company time.
Here is possible addition that could come out of the conversation:
Personal Internet Use:
XYZ recognizes that Internet use is part of daily life. It allows personal use of the Internet with the following restrictions:- Personal Internet use is restricted to non-work times, such as during lunch breaks.
- Inappropriate content is prohibited, whether it is being accessed for business or personal reasons.
- Personal Internet usage, such as the downloading of large files, must not restrict Internet service for the company.
Your management team will find that working on an up-to-date policy and procedure manual can be an excellent training tool. Managers will be able to see clearly issues that are of interest to team members.
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