What Are Office Procedures?
Office procedures are clearly defined practices that everyone who works in an office follows in the event of common or uncommon situations that arise throughout the work day. Office procedures include employee job descriptions, confidentiality protocols, phone and inner-office etiquette and hazardous materials disposal, if applicable.
Office managers or company owners usually write office procedures manuals to ensure that all employees clearly understand the guidelines. These office procedures manuals are generally signed by employees upon hiring and then once a year to ensure that any changes made to the manuals are understood by all of the office employees.
Since many situations arise in offices that are not clearly defined in the manuals, the manuals must also address how employees handle unusual situations. For example, if a disgruntled customer comes into the office, the manual generally states the protocol that an employee should follow. This might include informing her boss of the situation, filling out a grievance report, and asking the customer to remain in the building until her boss is free to handle the matter.
Some office procedures are written for entire offices, while others are written for groups of employees working within the same office. These manuals also outline the penalties for non-adherence to the stated rules and regulations.
