Enforcing Company Policy: A Manager's Dilemma and Employee Perspective

In the realm of corporate management, one of the most challenging aspects is ensuring that company policies are uniformly enforced, especially when different supervisors ignore certain policies. This article explores the responsibilities and considerations of managers when faced with this dilemma, as well as the perspectives of employees.

Manager's Dilemma

Managing a department often involves balancing a variety of tasks and ensuring compliance with company policies. One common issue managers face is the enforcement of policies that other supervisors ignore. This presents a significant challenge, as the manager might risk their job if they do not enforce the policy, yet find it difficult to justify strict enforcement when others do not follow it.

Initial Steps

A thoughtful approach is to first gauge the impact and importance of the policy through informal discussions with colleagues. This can help determine if the policy is out of date or routinely ignored. By engaging in these conversations, a manager can get a sense of the broader consensus and avoid unnecessary conflict.

Enforcement of Safety Policies

When it comes to safety policies, the stakes are higher. If there is no explicit direction from senior management to cease enforcement, the manager should continue to uphold these policies. Non-compliance with safety policies can lead to severe consequences, not just for the manager but also for the employees involved.

Manager's Standpoint

As a manager, it is essential to stand firm on the importance of adhering to written company policies. A manager should communicate their stance clearly and firmly, explaining the reasons for the policy and the potential consequences of non-compliance. For example, a manager might say, "I am not going to risk my job by not enforcing a written company policy. Others may choose to do so but I will not."

Importance of Communication

Instead of reporting colleagues who are ignoring policies, a manager can gently remind their supervisors of the importance of the policy. This approach fosters a collaborative environment and shows proactive leadership. Additionally, addressing the issue with other supervisors or suggesting a policy review can be beneficial in aligning everyone's understanding and expectations.

Employee Perspective

From the employee's perspective, compliance with company policies is a fundamental part of job responsibilities. Employees recognize the importance of following guidelines and understand that deviation from policies can lead to disciplinary actions or even termination.

An employee might express their concern to a manager, saying, "Sorry I bothered you," after their issues are brought to the manager's attention. This statement reflects the employee's desire to uphold the company's standards and the manager's role in supporting and maintaining these standards.

Respecting Company Guidelines

Managers who allow employees to break policies are effectively undermining their own authority and the integrity of the company's guidelines. This can create a culture of non-compliance and erode the trust and respect that employees have for their management.

The true policy should be clear and consistent. While there may be informal practices or "the way things are done around here," these should not be at odds with written policies. Initiating a conversation about the policy can help clarify the official stance and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Conclusion

Enforcing company policies can be challenging, especially when other supervisors do not follow them. However, managers must prioritize the implementation of these policies, particularly safety guidelines, to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Effective communication and proactive engagement with colleagues can help address the issue and lead to a cohesive and respectful workplace.