50 Examples of Office Procedures • Eat, Sleep, Wander

These examples of office procedures provide the framework that governs a workplace, from the front-desk reception to the underlying record keeping systems and business processes. Establishing an effective set of procedures plays a key role in fostering an organized and efficient working environment.

A comprehensive review of these procedures can also help identify areas for improvement, streamlining tasks and saving both time and money. Here are 50 examples of office procedures to consider for your workplace.

Examples of office procedures

1. Establish a health and safety policy

2. Create a document retention policy
3. Track attendance and require approval for time off requests
4. Review customer service protocols

5. Train employees on customer service protocols
6. Create a dress code
7. Review customer privacy policies

8. Create protocols to handle customer complaints and grievances
9. Set up a procedure for handling inventory
10. Define the procedure for product returns

11. Define how complaints are escalated
12. Define protocols for office visitors
13. Set up guidelines for equipment use

14. Define standards for data collection and storage
15. Create protocols for back-up data storage
16. Establish a records management plan

17. Create policy for disposal of outdated electronic equipment
18. Create a protocol for work orders
19. Establish a procedure for dealing with lost property

20. Set up a disciplinary system
21. Establish a procedure for staff appraisals
22. Create a document control procedure

23. Establish a procedure for handling cash
24. Create security protocols for physical access to buildings
25. Set up password guidelines

26. Define a procedure for handling confidential information
27. Review procedures for office safety and security
28. Set up guidelines for the use of professional language

29. Define the access and use rules for each type of documents
30. Establish a travel plan
31. Train employees on conscious use of work resources

32. Create a procedure for conducting meetings
33. Establish a system for handling incoming and outgoing mail
34. Establish a procedure for dealing with the press

35. Establish a database security procedure
36. Establish protocols for deletion of electronic data
37. Create procedures for delegating tasks amongst department/staff

38. Establish protocols for verifying sources of information
39. Train employees on computer and internet safety guidelines
40. Train employees on general office etiquette

41. Create protocols for team building and morale
42. Create procedures for handling performance reviews
43. Set up criteria for hiring and recruitment

44. Create a system for handling contracts
45. Establish regulations related to company vehicles
46. Train employees on the principles of safety

47. Develop procedures concerning office access and security
48. Develop a plan to ensure regulatory and legal compliance
49. Create protocols for archiving records

50. Train employees on the principles of customer service

Having a comprehensive set of procedures in place can help foster an organized and efficient work environment. Establishing clear procedures for everything from customer complaints to data storage to team building helps ensure that guidelines are followed, tasks are accomplished efficiently and the risk of costly errors is reduced. From the front-desk reception to records management and business processes, following the procedures outlined above is the key to fostering a successful, productive workplace.