Services & Resources Publications Policies

EMA Central Policies

A series of generic employment policies have been developed by EMA Central and can be purchased by members or non-members. The policies can also be customised to suit specific requirements.

Workplace employment policies are an organisation's house rules. They can cover everything from internet usage to health and safety procedures. They are generally more flexible than employment agreements as their content can generally be changed by an employer following consultation.

New employees should be given a copy of workplace employment policies before signing their employment agreement. It can also be useful for new employees to sign a separate form stating that they have read and understood the workplace policies.

Employment agreements should also include a clause stating that the workplace has a number of policies in place that the employee is expected to read and understand, and that they may be varied from time to time by the employer.

The agreement should also state that failure to comply with the workplace policies may be considered misconduct or serious misconduct and potentially result in disciplinary action.

It is also important to ensure that workplace policies are followed, and that any breaches are dealt with appropriately and consistently.

Workplace employment policies currently available from EMA Central:

Anti-Harassment (Abridged Version)

This policy outlines employers' legislative requirements, explains what harassment is, its different forms, how to prevent it and how to manage it.

There are two versions of this policy. The full version explains the process of intervention, investigation and guidelines to be followed. The abridged version identifies what harassment is, and options available and intervention steps.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $80 exc GST
Non-member: $120 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Anti-Harassment (Full Version)

This policy outlines employers' legislative requirements, explains what harassment is, its different forms, how to prevent it and how to manage it.

There are two versions of this policy. The full version explains the process of intervention, investigation and guidelines to be followed. The abridged version identifies what harassment is, and options available and intervention steps.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $150 exc GST
Non-member: $225 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Bullying Prevention

With employees becoming more aware of the effects of workplace bullying and their legal rights, it can be important for an employer to have in place a policy and system for dealing with complaints of bullying. The Bullying Prevention policy covers such aspects as the definition of workplace bullying, how to raise a complaint, methods for resolving complaints etc.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $150 exc GST
Non-member: $225 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Conflict of Interest

In any organisation it is necessary to set down guidance as to possible conflicts that may arise between the employer’s interests and the interests of employees. Employees also owe a common law duty of fidelity toward their employer. Conflicts of interest that have, or could have, an adverse impact on the employer’s operations, and that cannot be resolved, may result in the termination of an employee’s employment.

This Policy provides the guidelines on what constitutes a conflict of interest, and the process the employer and employee will follow in the event that a conflict is discovered and/or disclosed.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $100 exc GST
Non-member: $150 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Credit Card

This policy sets out guidelines and responsibilities for credit cards issued by an employer to staff.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $80 exc GST
Non-member: $120 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Disciplinary

This policy is recommended for all employers. It details the standards of behaviour that most employers expect from their employees, and the consequences of failing to meet these. It also provides guidance on running a disciplinary process, performance management, warnings, summary dismissal etc. The Disciplinary Policy also includes a separate sheet for new and existing employees to confirm that they have read and understood the policy.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $100 exc GST
Non-member: $150 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Drug and Alcohol

This policy deals with the consumption of alcohol in the workplace, including when it is acceptable and when it isn’t. It provides for a prohibition on illegal drugs in the workplace, dealing with intoxication at work, and consequences for employees for breaching the policy. The Drug and Alcohol policy also includes a guide for employers on holding functions on work premises where alcohol will be consumed.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $80 exc GST
Non-member: $120 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy

This policy sets out procedures for conducting drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. It details the situations where testing may occur. It provides situations where information on disciplinary measures and rehabilitation provisions for employees found to have used alcohol or drugs.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $150 exc GST
Non-member: $225 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Email and Internet

This policy is recommended for all employers who have a computer system that offers employees access to e-mail and the internet. It provides standards for the use of the employer’s computer system, and in particular what is considered to be inappropriate usage.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $150 exc GST
Non-member: $225 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Employee Assistance Programme

In light of law changes and the increasing awareness of the effects of workplace stress, it can be important for an employer to have in place an Employee Assistance Programme (“EAP”) policy. This policy is recommended for all employers who wish to make counselling services via a third party provider available to its employees. The EAP policy covers such aspects as the appropriate use of counselling, the number of sessions the employer will pay for, approved providers, eligibility, self-reporting etc.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $40 exc GST
Non-member: $60 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Gifts

This policy provides direction on giving and receiving gifts between staff and companies who your organization is, or seeks to do business with.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $40 exc GST
Non-member: $60 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Long Term Absence

This policy sets out guidelines for dealing with employees who are absent from work because of long term illness or injury. It provides an overview of the issues and the process involved.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $80 exc GST
Non-member: $120 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Mobile Phone

This policy provides guidelines to ensure the use of employer-provided mobile phones is responsible and appropriate.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $80 exc GST
Non-member: $120 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Motor Vehicle

This policy covers the standards required of employees who use a vehicle provided by their employer. It includes practical guidelines on things like vehicle security, private use, nominated drivers, service and maintenance, vehicle expenses, insurance and accidents, parking, traffic offences etc.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $150 exc GST
Non-member: $225 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Relocation Policy

This policy outlines employees’ entitlements when relocating with the Company to another geographic location outside of the current greater metropolitan area.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $80 exc GST
Non-member: $120 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Smoking

Employers have specific obligations and duties to fulfil under the Smoke-Free Environments Act 1990, as amended in 2004. Failure to comply with the law may result in costly fines. Although a workplace smoking policy is no longer legally required, an employer is advised to have one in order to clarify their position on the law. The EMA sample policy allows the employer to list where employees specifically can and cannot smoke at work, deals with what happens if an employee does smoke in a banned area, and touches on smoking in work vehicles.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $40 exc GST
Non-member: $60 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Stress Management (Abridged Version)

This policy sets out guidelines for dealing with situations where staff performance is affected by stress. The full version gives guidelines on to how minimize the incidence of stress in the workplace and includes employers' legislative requirements.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $80 exc GST
Non-member: $120 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Stress Management (Full Version)

This policy sets out guidelines for dealing with situations where staff performance is affected by stress. It includes guidelines on to how minimize the incidence of stress in the workplace, includes employers' legislative requirements.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $150 exc GST
Non-member: $225 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Study Assistance

This policy acknowledges the vital part training plays in developing employees’ skills and knowledge. It sets out guidelines on who can apply for study assistance, how to apply, and what assistance is available. It also includes a sample study agreement.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $80 exc GST
Non-member: $120 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Travel

This policy provides guidelines for staff when they travel for work purposes. It includes the use of credit cards, transport options, accommodation options, meal reimbursement, spouse accompaniment etc.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $80 exc GST
Non-member: $120 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Video Surveillance

Theft and dishonesty are issues faced by many workplaces. This policy is designed for those employers who wish to use video surveillance in the workplace, whether by covert or overt cameras.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $40 exc GST
Non-member: $60 exc GST

Purchase this policy.

Whistleblowers

This policy is designed so that employer can meet their statutory obligations under the Protected Disclosures Act 2000. It sets out guidelines on how to raise an issue in the workplace, who to raise it with, and what to do if it isn't dealt with appropriately.

Pricing for Hard Copies

Member: $100 exc GST
Non-member: $150 exc GST

Purchase this policy.