Policy Is a Leadership Tool

Every policy sends a message. Is yours saying “We don’t trust you” or “We’ve got your back”?

In a Lunch and Learn IrisHR collaborated with Catherine Phelps from Filion Wakely Employment Law Firm. We explored how intentional policy design can serve as an extension of your leadership voice, especially when policies are clear, compassionate, and co-created with your team in mind.

🔎 Start Small: Micro-Policies with Macro Impact

One of the most empowering takeaways? You don’t need to overhaul your whole handbook. Sometimes a single well-crafted sentence can eliminate recurring confusion or tension.

A few questions to guide your next “micro-policy”:

• Where are people feeling unclear, frustrated, or stuck?

• What’s a recurring scenario that drains energy?

• How might a simple boundary, definition, or expectation bring relief?

💬 Policy Comes to Life in Practice

A written policy is only half the job. How we introduce, discuss, and model that policy matters just as much.

We shared examples of policies being “brought to life” through:

• Onboarding moments

• Team huddles

• Manager one-on-ones

• Internal communications and discussions that revisit why the policy exists

• Shout outs to staff who lead by example

📎 Make Compliance Human

Yes, compliance matters. But so does compassion.

Thanks to a special contribution from IrisHR, we shared a Compliance Checklist that ensures your policies meet legal standards—without losing your humanity. Because being compliant and being people-first should never be at odds. Reach out today if you'd like your copy!

👣 One Hour, One Policy, One Step Forward

We encouraged attendees to block just one hour this week to review a single policy through this new lens. What’s one thing you could simplify, clarify, or reframe to ensure your policies are speaking to the values you want your organization to uphold?