4 HR Policies that Should Be Thrown Out the Window

HR policies are important. Mostly.

HR policies are not to be confused with Ludacris

However, there’s a reason many employees dislike working with HR. Some HR policies just seem ludicrous.

Sure, there are reasons these HR policies are there. I understand this. But it doesn’t matter. They should be gone anyway.

HR Policies That Should Be Thrown Out the Window

1. Salary Requirements Listed on Cover Letters

Why This Is an HR Policy: HR professionals don’t want to waste their time with a job applicant they, frankly, can’t afford to hire. Or the company only has a set amount set aside for one position. Or the company is hoping to score a deal and get a qualified candidate for less than they were going to offer.

Why This HR Policy Should Be Stopped: Your mom thinks you’re worth a million bucks. But does the company you’re applying to think that as well? It’s impossible to know how much a company is willing to spend. Ask too much and you’ll price yourself out. Too little and you’ll be stuck with a low salary until who knows when. HR should say how much they’re planning to give as a salary. People who fit this range would apply. And from there, candidates could negotiate.

2. Employee Must Work X Months Before Insurance Kicks In

Why This Is an HR Policy: Insurance is expensive! The company needs to make sure the employee isn’t going to be gone in a month.

Why This HR Policy Should Be Stopped: Insurance is expensive! If the employee has insurance on her first day, and runs out and gets a strep test after work, trust me, she’s not going to quit the next day. Plus then the rest of your employees won’t get strep as well.

3. Office Dress Codes

Why This Is an HR Policy: Offices need a degree of professionalism, clients need to be impressed, etc.

Why This HR Policy Should Be Stopped: I’ve spoken against dress codes before. Employees are adults. They should be able to dress themselves in what makes them the most comfortable so they can be productive. I’ve spent many a day in the office wearing high heels, and I spent more time afraid I was going to twist my ankle/wincing in pain. I get a lot more work done in Converse. Of course, if you’re in a position dealing with clients you should look professional. If you’re not dealing with clients, what’s really the harm in wearing jeans to work?

4. Giving a Reason for Taking a Personal Day

Why This Is an HR Policy: Sometimes this just depends on the manager. But, if required, it’s to make sure an employee has a “good” reason for missing work.

Why This HR Policy Should Be Stopped: Um, because it’s nobody’s business why you’re taking off, that’s why. Whether you’re taking the day off because your son is sick, because you’re hung over or because you’re tired of work and just want to watch Judge Judy all day, it’s your own prerogative. That’s why we’re given personal days in the first place!

So which HR policies do you think should be abandoned?