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DOCUMENTING YOUR SOPs SHOULD BE AS EASY AS MAKING THE MORNING COFFEE
One thing we’ve learned from working with clients over the years: Even though nearly all companies have some sort of SOPs in place, they don’t always have them written down or if they do, it’s been years since they’ve reviewed or updated them.
In most cases, it just comes down to we don’t have the time.
When day-to-day operations get hectic, internal projects are often the first to fall to the wayside. And while it’s true that writing, reviewing, and updating your company’s SOPs can be time-consuming, we think it’s worth it in the long run.
SOPs are living documents that will always need changing and updating. With Sweet Process, our clients now have a cloud-based environment that gives them control over their SOPs on a real-time basis. With the added element of Manager Approver, your processes are safe and secure before being implemented.
It is as easy as making a pot of coffee – see “Making the morning coffee”.
NEED A FEW MORE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE WRITTEN SOPS A PRIORITY?
Here are five benefits of written standard operating procedures
1. Reduce employee training time.
Training-related SOPs help standardize orientation and training. A written set of guidelines helps ensure all new hires get the same training, on the same topics and responsibilities, in the same amount of time. Not only will this help ensure new employees settle in quickly, it also helps save time and money in the long term. The ROI of reducing training time will undoubtedly pay for the effort spent in properly documenting your SOPs.
2. Reduce errors and enhance productivity.
Written SOPs take the guesswork out of day-to-day operations and helps ensure all employees understand the processes, policies, and procedures associated with their jobs. And because they provide clear, written examples of what is expected from employees, SOPs are also helpful when developing employee review or development plans.
3. Cross Training -transfer work easily.
Most employees take a sick day here and there; in the case of an extended absence, written SOPs make it easier to transfer work to another employee.
4. Meet legal requirements.
Depending on your industry, you may be required to have written SOPs that protect your employees and/or customers — and ensure you won’t be held legally responsible if something goes wrong.
5. Establish a chain of command.
Everyone in your company should have a clear idea of your company’s leadership structure, this is especially important in situations where work products go through multiple stages of review and approval.