Office procedures are clearly stated standards that all office employees must adhere to in the event that common or unusual situations emerge during the workday. Office procedures consist of staff job descriptions, confidentiality protocols, phone and office etiquette, and, if applicable, hazardous waste disposal.
Typically, office managers or business owners compose office procedures guides to guarantee that all employees comprehend the requirements. Employees typically sign these office procedures manuals upon hire and annually thereafter to verify that all office employees are aware of any updates.
Since many situations exist in the workplace that are not explicitly stated in the manuals, the manuals must also discuss how employees should respond to uncommon events. For instance, if a dissatisfied client enters the office, the protocol that an employee should follow is typically outlined in the manual. This may involve telling her manager of the issue, filing a complaint report, and requesting that the client remain in the building until her manager is available to handle the situation.
Some office procedures are developed for the entire office, while others are written for specific groups of personnel. These documents also detail the repercussions for violating the stated rules and regulations.