Workplace rules and policies need to evolve periodically in order to keep pace with changing aspects of the business and the workplace environment, but some new policy implementations are more successful than others. And too many poorly implemented or ineffective policy changes can eventually undermine respect for company rules. If you’re facing a workplace problem that can only be addressed with a new policy, follow these steps to increase your chances of a successful adoption.

1. Draft the new policy carefully. Before you even begin to write a new rule or change an old one, make sure you’ve explored alternative solutions to the problem. And if none of these other solutions will bring the desired outcome, write the new policy with close attention to wording and clarity. Stay open to feedback and editorial changes.

2. Gather a small, diverse group of employees for a pilot session. Have these employees read the policy, assemble for a meeting, and provide their responses to the new rule. If they have questions or need clarification, address their issues before you move onto the next step.

3. Obtain buy-in from upper management. Submit the policy to executives and upper level managers for their review. As you do this, be ready to explain the research you’ve conducted to create the policy, the feedback you’ve received, and the results of your pilot session.

4. Obtain a legal review. If your company has an in-house legal team or a legal expert on retainer, have this person or team review the policy for legal issues.

5. Introduce employees to the new policy before it’s officially implemented. How will you explain the new policy to employees or provide the training they need to comply? Organize one large meeting for all staff members, a series of small sessions for small groups, an email campaign, or a general announcement. However you decide to communicate the policy to employees, give them clear opportunities to ask any questions they may have or register their objections.

6. Obtain written compliance. If the policy will be controversial in any way, it may be a good idea to have each employee sign a form stating that they understand and accept the terms of the new rule.

7. Finally, implement the policy and follow up actively until the new order has become standard and established. Never implement a new policy and then allow it to go unenforced and ignored. If the practical issues of implementation and enforcement present unforeseen problems, start over from the beginning, rewrite the policy if necessary, and get these problems ironed out.

For more help with the details of policy implementation, reach out to the Texas staffing and business management team at Expert.