Structure
HR policies and procedures provide workplace structure. Absent certain policies, such as working hours, disciplinary action, performance reviews and rules concerning worker safety, the work environment could be chaotic. Granted, all organizations don't have the same level of structure, and large employers generally are known to have far more bureaucracy than small companies. HR policies and procedures give HR departments a sense of structure as well. For example, HR departmental policies concerning budget typically are matters addressed by HR leadership, such as justifications for additional allocations and measurement for return on investment in HR activities.
Fairness
HR policies and procedures support equal employment opportunity in giving fair treatment to applicants and employees throughout the hiring process and the employment experience. For example, for an organization that doesn't publish its EEO policies such as employee rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the guidelines for its recruitment and selection process would be hazy at best. Recruiters and hiring managers who are unaware of nondiscrimination regulations and fair employment practices wouldn't have reason to believe that biased hiring practices are unfair without HR policies that govern fair treatment.
Best Practices
Many organizations conduct routine analyses of their business operations. HR policies and procedures can aid in the analysis of HR practices and overall business practices. Of all the HR policies and procedures reviewed, those that have the most positive affects on the organization generally are called "best practices." Best practices are then replicated for use throughout other departments or in other companies within or outside the same industry.
Strategy
HR policies and procedures are the functional elements of an organization's strategic plan, meaning the policies are the steps necessary to achieve strategic goals. However, HR policies and procedures serve the important role of redefining HR strategic development and the direction of the organization. Through a review of the company's HR policies and procedures, leadership teams that develop strategic maps for the company learn what works and what doesn't work concerning HR procedures and the work environment.
Consistency
Achieving consistent operations is one of the reasons that HR policies and procedures are strongly recommended. HR staff have an obligation to handle employment matters consistently, and policies and procedures enable that consistency. For example, addressing benefits questions from employees in the sales department more expediently than those from employees in the warehouse division can create significant problems for the organization. Inconsistencies lead to employee dissatisfaction and, ultimately, workplace conflict. HR policies and procedures can prevent workplace conflict through providing a way for employment matters to be handled in a fair and consistent manner.