Why Every Company—Start-Up or Giant—Needs Written Policies (And Why You Should Care)

Can we have an honest conversation?

You’ve probably heard someone say: “We’re a flat structure. We don’t do rigid rules here. We’re like family.” Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Everyone is cool, decisions flow freely, and things “just work.”

Well…Until they don’t.

A colleague gets fired “because management felt like it.” 

You’re denied your leave because no one ever wrote it down.

A misunderstanding spirals out of control because there’s no clear process for resolving it.

Suddenly, that cozy “family” structure starts feeling less like home and more like a game with no referee.

Here’s the truth: Policies are not the enemy of culture. They’re what make culture sustainable.

To Employers: Your Business Deserves Structure, Not Chaos

If you’re a founder or leader, you might think: “We’re still growing. Policies are for big corporations. We don’t need all that bureaucracy.”

Wrong.

Even if you’re “just a start-up,” written policies are part of your foundation. It’s like building a house—you wouldn’t skip the blueprint, would you? Policies provide the structure you need to grow without breaking apart.

Why Written Policies Are Non-Negotiable

1. They Set Clear Expectations:

Imagine playing a game where no one explains the rules, but you get punished for breaking them. Sounds frustrating, right? That’s what running a company without policies feels like. A solid policy book tells employees what’s expected—and what’s not tolerated.

2. They Protect You From Chaos (and Lawsuits):

Without policies, everything becomes personal. Disputes aren’t resolved by process; they’re resolved by “who has the most power.” Worse, without written guidelines, you open your business up to legal risks—misunderstandings about contracts, harassment claims, or unfair dismissals can spiral fast. Policies act as your legal safety net.

3. They Foster Trust and Transparency:

Handing a new hire a written policy book says: “We take this business—and you—seriously.” It shows you’ve thought through how things work here. It builds confidence and signals that you’re running a professional, structured organization—not winging it.

Here’s the kicker: Policies don’t have to be set in stone. They can be updated, refined, and revised as your company evolves. But not having them at all? That’s like building on quicksand.

To Employees: Policies Are Your Professional Armor

Let’s switch gears. You’re an employee or you just got hired. The vibe is great, the office looks nice, but—no policy book in sight. Don’t shrug that off.

Why? Because policies protect you.

They’re Your Defense Against Unfair Treatment:

If someone accuses you of breaking the rules, the policy book is your proof. It clarifies what’s acceptable, what’s not, and how things are handled. Without it, you’re operating in a gray area—and gray areas rarely favor the employee.

They Outline Your Rights:

Want to know how much leave you’re entitled to? What happens if you’re harassed at work? How performance reviews are done? Policies lay it all out. If your company doesn’t have a written guide, you’re left to rely on verbal promises, and we all know how those turn out.

They Keep Things Fair:

A company without policies can play favorites—granting privileges to some and denying them to others. With written policies, fairness isn’t up for debate.

Here’s a tip: If you weren’t handed a policy book during onboarding, ask for it. Walk up to HR or the People and Culture team and say: “Hey, I’d love to get a copy of our company’s policies. Could you share that with me?”

You’re not being a troublemaker. You’re being professional and smart.

To Job Seekers: Desperation Is Not a Strategy

Let’s talk about the job hunt. It’s tough out there—I get it. When you’re desperate for a role, it’s tempting to take whatever comes your way. You might ignore the red flags because “at least it’s a job.”

But here’s the hard truth: Companies without clear policies often operate in ways that can hurt you.

I once attended an interview where I asked to see the company’s policy book. It didn’t match what the hiring manager was telling me. Red flag? Absolutely. I walked away.

Why does this matter to you?

If a company’s policies aren’t clear—or worse, don’t exist—it’s a sign they’re not ready to take care of their employees.

A lack of policies can mean inconsistent rules, favoritism, or confusion.

Desperation can make you vulnerable, but you don’t have to settle. Ask the right questions. During interviews, say: “Can you share a bit about your company’s policies and culture? Do you have written guidelines?” It might feel bold, but trust me—it’s worth it.

You deserve clarity, fairness, and a workplace that respects your role.

Let’s Build Better Workplaces Together

At the end of the day, policies aren’t just boring documents that sit in HR folders collecting dust. They’re powerful tools that keep companies healthy and employees protected.

Employers: If you haven’t built a written policy book yet, start today. It’s not just for your employees—it’s for you. It brings order, reduces risks, and fosters a culture of trust.

Employees: Don’t be afraid to ask for policies. They’re your safety net. They empower you to understand your rights and expectations.

Job Seekers: Know what you’re signing up for. Ask the hard questions, read the fine print, and don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Workplaces thrive on clarity, structure, and fairness—and written policies make all of that possible.

So whether you’re leading a company, working for one, or considering joining one, remember this: Policies are power. Use them wisely.

Cheers to building better, fairer workplaces—together!

Until next time,

Stay smart, stay professional, and keep growing with BiznesIQ.

Oh, one more thing: I would love to specially appreciate my 12 year old niece, Tehilla. For helping me with the illustrations in this articles. Lately, I have been taking her on some drawing classes and to show her gratitude by lending a hand. By the way, she's in her school break and is very much open for gigs.

If you need help designing your company’s policy book or updating an existing one? I can help. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a fresh perspective, feel free to reach out to me via my LinkedIn DM or email me at osas@biznesiq.org