Stupid Rules and the HR Who Loves Them.

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Episode Summary:
In this episode, we break down how to write and implement workplace policies that are fair, clear, and actually useful—no fluff, no meaningless jargon. Whether you’re an HR pro, a manager, or running your own business, we’ll walk you through the principles of good policy design, common pitfalls to avoid, and tools you can use to make your policies work for real people.

What You’ll Learn

• The difference between good policies and “because we said so” policies
• How to write policy language that’s clear, enforceable, and fair
• Common mistakes that make policies useless or even harmful
• How to roll out policies so employees understand and respect them
• Checking for bias, avoiding legal issues, and aligning with company culture

Key Takeaways

1. Clarity Above All – Simple, plain language beats fancy HR speak every time.
2. Consistency + Flexibility – You need a baseline of rules, but also allowance for reasonable judgment.
3. Transparency – Let people see why policies exist and how they apply; it builds trust.
4. Feedback Loops Matter – Policies should evolve. Solicit input and update them when needed.
5. Don’t Be Overly Punitive – Discipline should be fair and predictable; punishments that seem arbitrary or extreme erode morale.

Piece to Check Out

If you want a ready-to-use guide to writing good policies, check this out:

Policies that aren’t stupid
 – a resource for creating HR policies that make sense.

Who This Episode Is For

• HR professionals looking to refresh or build policy frameworks
• Managers who are enforcing policies and want them to feel fair
• Small business owners who need to write policies from scratch
• Anyone interested in workplace culture, fairness, and good leadership

Quotes / Highlights (Optional)

“A policy that everyone loves isn’t necessarily better than one everyone respects.”“If people can’t understand your policy, they’ll assume the worst.”

Next Steps & Resources

• Review your current policies. Identify anything that’s vague, punitive, or doesn’t relate directly to business needs.
• Ask for feedback from employees about how policies are perceived or enforced.
• Use the “Policies that aren’t stupid” guide to audit your policies or draft new ones.
• Stay up-to-date with legal requirements in your state or country so your policies stay compliant.

Audio Intro

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