5 policies your business should be considering in 2025

Workplace policies play a crucial role in the day to day running of any business. We list the 5 policies you should think about implementing in your business in 2025.  

Data Privacy Policy and Cybersecurity

Having a Data Privacy and a Cybersecurity policy in place is now more important than ever. Data breaches and cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are on the rise. Businesses must ensure that robust data protection policies are in place to safeguard sensitive customer and employee information. If you want to go a step further, it is worth investing in the Cyber Essentials Accreditation. 

Remote and Hybrid Work

As workplaces continue to operate hybrid working models it is a no brainer to have one of these in place. It’s important that you have a comprehensive policy outlining your expectations, communication channels, technology requirements and how you plan to manage performance for your hybrid workers.  

According to the Office for National Statistics and data collected in October 2024, more than a quarter of working adults in Great Britain (28%) were working in a hybrid model during the autumn of 2024. We’re expecting this trend to continue and maybe even rise as more and more businesses look to increase the wellbeing of their workers. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Businesses are facing greater pressures from consumers, employees and partners/stakeholders to prioritise DEI. A clear DEI policy helps to attract diverse talent and creates an inclusive workplace culture. 

A great way to find out how your employees are feeling is to send out diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging surveys. 

If you work in the legal sector, it’s important to note that all regulated firms, regardless of their size, must collect, report and publish data about the diversity make-up of their workforce. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) require law firms to do this every 2 years. There may be different requirements depending on the type of business you are operating so it’s worth doing your research! 

Mental Health and Wellbeing

The mental health of employees has become a focal point in the workplace. Having a mental health and wellbeing policy in place will improve employee engagement, retain and attract new talent and contribute greatly to the overall productivity of employees. 

Over the past few years there has been a rise in the amount of company’s introducing a counselling service or EAP’s (Employee Assistance Programs) as well as mental health days. Putting a policy like this in place will also create a stigma-free environment where employees feel safe discussing their mental health. 

1 in every 4 people are likely to experience a mental health condition this year and therefore it’s important that businesses train their managers. Giving them the skills to support employees and create a supportive and healthy environment will almost certainly benefit the business. 

AI and Automation Ethics

As businesses start to adopt AI and automation technologies, ethical concerns regarding job displacement, decision-making and bias in algorithms are becoming more prevalent. 

The general consensus around AI is largely positive, with many businesses recognising the benefits of how it can transform aspects of their business processes.  

Businesses are enthusiastic about AI’s potential to improve efficiency, innovation, and customer experience, but they are also concerned of the risks this poses. It’s important that a policy is in place, so your employees are aware of what applications they are ‘authorised’ to use and what part of their work can be conducted using AI tools.