Online Class: How to Write Effective Policies and Procedures

Name: How to Write Effective Policies and Procedures
Price: 95.00 USD

Uncover the strategic importance of detailed manuals in business management, focusing on enhancing clarity, training, and legal safeguards. Learn to transform traditional documents into vital tools aligned with your company's mission and evolving needs.

$95.00
no certificate

- OR -

$120.00
with CEU Certificate*

Start Right Now!

$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)

Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.

12

Lessons
24

Exams &
Assignments
1,730

Students
have taken this course
11

Hours
average time
1.1

CEUs

Course Description

Embark on a journey to master the art of crafting comprehensive policy and procedure manuals with our engaging course designed for any business size. Whether you're steering a burgeoning startup or managing a sprawling corporation, the creation of a detailed manual not only streamlines operations but also fortifies your organizational structure.

This course delves into the essence of what makes a policy and procedure manual indispensable. From fostering uniform employee behavior to setting clear operational standards, a well-devised manual acts as your company's backbone, ensuring consistency and clarity in everyday operations. It provides vital tools for employee training, decision-making, and even legal protection against potential disputes.

Learn to articulate your company's goals through effective policies that reflect your corporate culture and operational needs. Understand the nuances between policies, which outline what your team should do, and procedures, detailing precisely how those tasks should be completed. Through expert guidance, discover how to communicate these elements effectively, ensuring they are easily accessible and understandable to all employees.

This course will not only teach you how to draft the manual but also to think critically about its structure, content, and presentation. Transform what is often perceived as a mundane document into an empowering tool that enhances corporate governance and employee satisfaction.

By the end of this course, you will have the skills to create a manual that not only meets current legal standards but also aligns with your company’s mission and growth objectives. Prepare to see your policy and procedure manual as a living document, one that evolves with your business and continues to guide it towards efficiency and success.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Business Writing

Writing Effective Emails in the Workplace

How to Write Case Studies

Completely Online
Self-Paced
Printable Lessons
Full HD Video
6 Months to Complete
24/7 Availability
Start Anytime
PC & Mac Compatible
Android & iOS Friendly
Accredited CEUs

Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(1,076 votes)

Lesson 1. Policy Manuals 101

31 Points

A well-crafted manual delineates essential business policies and operational procedures, promoting uniformity and reducing managerial ambiguity. It equally acts as a safeguard against legal challenges and empowers employees by setting clear boundaries within which they are encouraged to innovate and excel. Additional lesson topics: Writing Effective Policies and Procedures: A Step-by-Step Resource for Clear Communication

Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Complete: Effective Policy Example - Lesson 1 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 1

Lesson 2. Customized Manuals: Aligning Company Values with Procedures

30 Points

A comprehensive policy and procedure manual defines your company’s guidelines, goals, and organizational knowledge, starting with examining your company philosophy. Develop a mission statement reflecting your unique objectives, followed by sections covering organization structure, job roles, and conduct, ensuring everything aligns with your company ethos. Additional lesson topics: How to Organize Your Policies and Procedures Manual; How to Write a Mission Statement with Examples; Answer Several Questions to Get a Great Mission Statement

Lesson 2 Video
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 2

Lesson 3. Teamwork in Policy Creation

30 Points

Forming diverse committees for policy manual creation leverages team synergy for greater productivity, problem-solving, and rule enforcement. This collaborative process not only motivates staff by aligning with company goals but also enhances compliance, protection against legal claims, and overall team morale. Additional lesson topics: 10 Tips for Better Teamwork

Lesson 3 Video
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 3

Lesson 4. Legal Compliance Essentials: Crafting Your Manual

29 Points

While drafting a policy manual, it’s crucial to incorporate legal policies like non-discrimination, family leave, and workers' compensation, which align with federal laws but may vary by state, requiring legal counsel for compliance assurance. Emphasis is also placed on disclaimers that specify the manual is not a binding employment contract and noting the potential for policy changes. Additional lesson topics: Free Samples of Policies and Procedures; What to Include In an Employee Handbook

Lesson 4 Video
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 4

Lesson 5. Avoiding Common Manual Pitfalls

29 Points

A well-crafted policy manual ensures consistency and fairness in organizational decisions, thus enhancing workplace efficiency and legal protection. Regular reviews and clear procedures, particularly in sensitive areas like harassment and leave policies, are crucial to avoid legal pitfalls and maintain employee morale. Additional lesson topics: HOW TO CREATE AN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK PEOPLE WILL ACTUALLY WANT TO READ

Lesson 5 Video
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 5

Lesson 6. Guidelines for Organizational Success Through Policies

9 Points

Policies are instrumental in ensuring smooth operations and compliance in a business, addressing inconsistencies or fulfilling legal requirements. Thoughtful policy development involves detailed sections like Purpose, Scope, and Procedures to effectively guide employees and uphold company standards.

Lesson 6 Video
Assessment: Exam 6

Lesson 7. Crafting Clarity: A Guide to Effective Policy and Procedure Writing

30 Points

An impactful policy manual requires brevity, clarity, and alignment with your company's culture while adopting a style that resonates with employees at their literacy level. Consistent revision and proofreading are vital, ensuring the use of non-discriminatory language and creating easily understandable, actionable content. Additional lesson topics: AP STYLEBOOK; The Chicago Manual of Style Online

Lesson 7 Video
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 7

Lesson 8. How to Craft a Compelling Policy Manual

30 Points

Crafting effective policy manuals involves strategic writing to engage readers, such as integrating unexpected content to test attention and focusing on clear, concise language for straightforward comprehension. Employees benefit from manuals that incorporate their welfare, highlighted by engaging introductions and real-world examples to ensure that policies and procedures are accessible and adhered to. Additional lesson topics: How to Write a Standard Operating Procedure; Writing a Procedure- Making Sure Things are Done Without Mistakes and Omissions

Lesson 8 Video
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 8

Lesson 9. Professional Appearance Guidelines for Your Policy Manual

30 Points

The readability and professionalism of your manual are paramount, achieved by well-structured organization, appropriate text sizes, and deliberate use of white space. Equally important is the choice of paper quality and binding to convey durability and significance.

Lesson 9 Video
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 9

Lesson 10. Streamlining Feedback: Optimize Your Manual's Review Process

30 Points

The review process harnesses the insights of a committee representing diverse departments, including IT, to refine a policy manual's clarity and applicability. By setting clear guidelines and using structured feedback channels, the organization ensures comprehensive input and legal compliance. Additional lesson topics: How to Handle Negative Feedback

Lesson 10 Video
Complete: Handling Criticism - Lesson 10 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 10

Lesson 11. Navigating the Complexities of Policy Manual Dissemination

30 Points

Ensure all employees have access to your new policy manual via print and electronic copies, with a meticulous acknowledgment process in place. This strategy prevents misunderstandings and provides legal protection by confirming employees' awareness of current policies.

Lesson 11 Video
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
Assessment: Exam 11

Lesson 12. Your Policy Manual: A Living Document

69 Points

Regularly updating your policy manual helps integrate legal revisions and organizational changes, maintaining relevance and reducing dispute risks. Proactive employee communication about updates fosters a well-informed workplace, enhancing compliance and satisfaction. Additional lesson topics: Example 7; Example 4; Example 9; Example 2; Example 6; Example 8; Example 1

Lesson 12 Video
Lesson discussions: Course Completion Poll: Your Thoughts; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Assessment: Exam 12
Assessment: The Final Exam

377

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Describe what writing effective policy and procedure manuals is.
Describe how to begin your policy and procedure manual.
Summarize legal considerations for your policy and procedure manual.
Summarize secrets to creating effective policy and procedures.
Describe the writing process for an effective policy and procedure manual.
Describe methods for hooking your reader.
Identify the review process.
Describe distributing the new manual.
Describe revising and updating your policy and procedure manual.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online

View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Course Title: How to Write Effective Policies and Procedures

Course Number: 9770566

Lessons Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (1,076 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Category:

UniversalClass.com > Writing Help > Writing Improvement

Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.

Last Updated: December 2023

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class

CEU Value: 1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Dana Kristan

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only

One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs

$95

for 6 months

Add to Cart

Billed once
This course only

Includes certificate	X
Includes CEUs	X
Self-paced
Instructor support
Time to complete	6 months
No. of courses	1 course

Certificate Course

One Course
Certificate & CEUs

$120

for 6 months

Add to Cart

Billed once
This course only

Includes certificate
Includes CEUs
Self-paced
Instructor support
Time to complete	6 months
No. of courses	1 course

Platinum Yearly

ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs

$189

per year

Start Now

Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses

Includes certificate
Includes CEUs
Self-paced
Instructor support
Time to complete	12 Months
No. of courses	600+

Platinum 2 Years

ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs

$299

for 2 years

You save $79.00!

Start Now

Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses

Includes certificate
Includes CEUs
Self-paced
Instructor support
Time to complete	24 Months
No. of courses	600+

Student Testimonials

"The course was very helpful. I can honestly say that I am able to write a policy and procedure that is effective!" -- Nadine M.
"This course was very teachable on guiding me to learn the proper way to set up my policy and manual for the company. In addition I thank the professor for all her support." -- Angela R.
"It was helpful to see the difference between policy and procedure. I learned that what I'm writing for my office will just be the procedures. I also learned that the procedures need to include a description of 'why' certain steps are taken." -- Latonya A.
"It was very helpful, especially for me as this is the first time I have been charged with updating policies and procedures." -- Amy L.
"This was a lot of information, but it was presented well and easy to understand." -- Laura G.
"I found this really good and informative." -- Muireann S.
"This course was very helpful." -- Kathy R.
"This course was very helpful, I learnt a lot." -- Tonylee O.