HR policies are not just paperwork. They protect your company, guide your team, and ensure compliance with Egyptian labor law.
In 2025, ignoring key HR policies can cost you — in lawsuits, poor performance, or high turnover. Whether you’re a small business or scaling fast, these 15 HR policies are a must-have in your employee handbook.
Let’s dive in.
1. Employment Contracts & Job Descriptions
Every employee must sign a clear, legally valid contract. Attach a job description that outlines duties, KPIs, and reporting lines.
✅ Egyptian labor law requires a signed Arabic contract for all staff — don’t skip this.
2. Attendance & Working Hours Policy
Define working days, hours, late arrival rules, and overtime procedures. Be clear about Ramadan hours, break times, and flexible work (if allowed).
3. Leave Policy
Explain all types of leave: annual, sick, maternity/paternity, emergency, unpaid, and public holidays. Include how to apply and approval timelines.
4. Disciplinary Policy
Outline the steps: verbal warning, written warning, suspension, termination. Include who handles it and what offenses apply.
5. Resignation & Termination Policy
Define notice periods, resignation procedures, exit clearance steps, and final settlement timelines. Be compliant with Egyptian law on notice durations.
6. Social Insurance & Medical Exam
Clarify when employees will be registered in insurance, Form 1 submission, and pre-employment medical exam (Form 111).
7. Remote & Hybrid Work Policy
If your business allows remote work, this must cover eligibility, expectations, working hours, and communication rules.
8. Performance Evaluation Policy
Explain how often performance reviews happen, what’s evaluated (objectives, competencies), and how results affect promotions or raises.
Related: Essential HR features for Egyptian SMEs over 20 Employees
9. Training & Development Policy
List the types of training provided, who is eligible, and how it’s planned. Include onboarding training for new hires.
10. Payroll & Compensation Policy
Define pay dates, salary structure, overtime calculation, bonuses, and deductions. Be transparent and consistent.
11. Workplace Conduct & Ethics
Set expectations around behavior, dress code, language, and professionalism. Include policies against harassment and discrimination.
12. Data Protection & Confidentiality Policy
With more digital tools in use, employees must protect company data. Clarify what is confidential and the penalties for breach.
13. Conflict of Interest & Outside Work
Employees should disclose if they work elsewhere or have competing interests. Add clear rules and examples.
14. Grievance Handling Policy
Employees must know how to raise a complaint. Define the process, responsible person, and resolution timelines.
15. Health & Safety Policy
Especially for physical workplaces. Cover fire drills, evacuation plans, workplace injuries, and safety responsibilities.
Final Tip: Keep Policies Accessible
Your HR policies should not sit in a dusty drawer. Share them in onboarding, post them on your internal system, and review them yearly. And always consult with an HR or legal expert to make sure your policies comply with current Egyptian labor law.
Need help drafting or updating your HR policies?
📩 [Book your Free HR Policy Review — Egypt Only]
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🔗 Essential HR Features for Egyptian SMEs Over 20 Employees
