Welcome and Purpose of the Handbook

Welcome to the HR Handbook for Sri Lankan Companies. This handbook aims to provide employees with a comprehensive understanding of standard human resources policies and procedures that are generally followed across various industries in Sri Lanka. The goal is to foster a transparent, fair, and productive work environment where all employees feel valued and supported.

The purpose of this handbook is to outline the various aspects of employment, from recruitment to termination, ensuring that employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities. It serves as a guide to help employees navigate their careers within their respective organizations, providing essential information on common policies, benefits, performance management, and more.

This handbook is intended to be a living document, meaning it will be updated periodically to reflect changes in laws, regulations, and general industry practices. Employees are encouraged to refer to it regularly and to seek clarification from their HR departments if needed. By understanding and adhering to the guidelines set forth in this handbook, employees and employers can work together to create a positive and productive workplace for everyone.

Company Vision, Mission, and Values

The vision, mission, and values outlined here are typical of many companies in Sri Lanka. They provide a framework for creating a dynamic and inclusive work environment where every employee can contribute to the success of their organization and achieve their full potential.

Many companies strive to be leaders in their industries, known for their commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. They aim to deliver exceptional products and services that exceed customer expectations, while adhering to ethical business practices and sustainable growth. By staying true to their missions, companies build long-term relationships with customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Common core values include:

• Integrity: Acting with honesty and integrity, maintaining the highest ethical standards in all business dealings.
• Respect: Treating everyone with respect, valuing diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Excellence: Striving for excellence in everything, continually seeking to improve and innovate.
• Collaboration: Believing in the power of teamwork and collaboration, working together to achieve common goals.
• Responsibility: Taking responsibility for actions and their impact on the community and the environment.

By upholding these values, companies aim to create workplace cultures that are positive, productive, and supportive of both personal and professional growth.

Overview of HR Department and its Function

The Human Resources (HR) department plays a crucial role in supporting a company's mission and values. The primary responsibility of HR is to manage the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and termination. HR departments are dedicated to ensuring that companies attract, develop, and retain the best talent in the industry.

Key functions of typical HR departments include:

• Recruitment and Staffing: Managing the recruitment process to ensure that companies hire qualified and capable individuals who align with their values and goals.
• Onboarding: Facilitating the onboarding process to help new employees integrate smoothly into the company and become productive members of the team.
• Employee Relations: Addressing employee concerns and fostering a positive work environment through effective communication, conflict resolution, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Compensation and Benefits: Developing and administering competitive compensation and benefits programs to attract and retain top talent.
• Performance Management: Implementing performance management systems to ensure that employees receive regular feedback and development opportunities.
• Training and Development: Providing training and development programs to enhance employees' skills and support their career growth.
• Compliance: Ensuring that companies comply with all relevant labor laws and regulations, minimizing legal risks and promoting fair treatment of employees.
• Health and Safety: Promoting a safe and healthy work environment by implementing and monitoring occupational health and safety policies.

HR departments are committed to supporting their companies' strategic objectives and creating positive work environments where all employees can thrive. Employees are encouraged to reach out to HR with any questions or concerns, and HR is there to provide guidance and support throughout their employment journeys.