Company redundancy policy template

Having a well-structured redundancy policy can save HR professionals a lot of time and effort when dealing with sensitive issues related to job losses. By having clear guidelines in place, HR can ensure consistency and fairness throughout the process, minimize legal risks, and maintain positive relationships with affected employees.

A company redundancy policy should include:

1. A clear explanation of the circumstances under which fixed-term contracts or temporary employees may be terminated.
2. Provisions for employees who are absent from work due to illness, injury, or other reasons when the redundancy announcement is made.
3. Information about the treatment of employee benefits, such as accrued vacation time, retirement plans, or stock options.
4. A plan for communicating the impact of redundancies on customer relationships, business partnerships, and public relations.
5. Guidelines for maintaining confidentiality during the consultation process and beyond.

Step-by-step instructions to create this policy

1. Research legal requirements: Familiarize yourself with local employment laws and regulations regarding redundancies, dismissals, and severance packages.
2. Analyze industry best practices
3. Identify company values and goals: Consider the organization’s mission, vision, and values when drafting the policy. Ensure that the policy aligns with these elements and reflects the company’s commitment to treating employees fairly and with respect.
4. Involve key stakeholders: Engage with HR, legal, management, and employee representatives to get their input and perspectives on the policy. This will help ensure that all relevant viewpoints are considered and addressed.
5. Draft the policy: Using the information gathered in steps 1-4, create a comprehensive and clear policy document. Make sure it includes all the essential components outlined above.
6. Review and revise: Circulate the draft policy among the key stakeholders and invite feedback. Incorporate any suggested improvements and make adjustments as needed.
7. Approval and communication: Once the policy is finalized, obtain approval from the appropriate executives or governing bodies. Communicate the policy to all employees, ensuring that everyone understands the guidelines and procedures.
8. Regularly review and update: Schedule periodic reviews of the policy to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Update the policy as necessary to address new challenges or changes in the company’s needs.

Redundancy policy template

[Organization Name]

Redundancy Policy

Brief & purpose

This policy outlines [Organization Name]’s approach to managing redundancies, ensuring that we treat affected employees fairly and supportively while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Scope

This policy applies to all [Organization Name] employees, including full-time, part-time, fixed-term, and temporary workers.

Definition of redundancy

Redundancy occurs when an employee’s position is no longer required due to reasons such as restructuring, downsizing, or the introduction of new technology.

Criteria for selecting employees for redundancy

The following criteria will be used to determine which positions are redundant and which employees will be selected for redundancy:

1. Job duplication or abolition due to restructuring or reorganization
2. Lack of work or insufficient funds to sustain the position
3. Technological advancements or automation rendering the role obsolete
4. Performance management issues where an employee’s performance is not meeting expectations despite support and development opportunities

Consultation process

Before making any decisions regarding redundancy, [Organization Name] will engage in a thorough consultation process with affected employees and their representatives. This process will include:

• Explaining the reason for the proposed redundancy
• Providing information about the severance package and other support available to affected employees
• Discussing alternative employment options within the company
• Considering suggestions from employees on how to mitigate the impact of the redundancy

Notice periods and severance pay

Affected employees will receive a minimum notice period of [X] weeks, based on their length of service with the company.
Severance packages will be offered to affected employees, taking into account their length of service, job grade, and individual circumstances. The severance package will include payment for unused vacation time, compensation for loss of office, and outplacement assistance.

Job search support

[Organization Name] recognizes that finding new employment can be challenging and will provide support to affected employees through our career transition program. This program includes:

• Resume-building workshops
• Interview preparation training
• Access to job search resources and databases
• One-on-one career counseling sessions

Appeals process

Affected employees who disagree with the decision to make their position redundant can submit an appeal to the HR department within [X] days of receiving notification. The appeal should outline the grounds for objection and any supporting evidence.

Communication plan

[Organization Name] is committed to transparent communication throughout the restructuring process. We will maintain open dialogue with all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and investors. The communication plan includes:

• Regular town hall meetings and updates from senior management
• Departmental meetings to discuss the impact on each team
• Internal communications channels (intranet, newsletters) to share information and address concerns
• External communications to key partners and media

Support for remaining employees

To assist employees who remain with the company during this challenging period, we offer a range of support measures, such as:

• Counseling services for employees struggling with the changes
• Training programs to develop new skills and adapt to changing roles
• Redeployment opportunities where possible
• Recognition and reward initiatives to motivate and engage employees

Review and revision

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. Any revisions will be approved by the board of directors and communicated to all employees.

Disclaimer: This policy template is meant to provide general guidelines and should be used as a reference. It may not take into account all relevant local, state or federal laws and is not a legal document. Neither the author nor Workable will assume any legal liability that may arise from the use of this policy.