Human Resources

A nonprofit's relationship to its employees and volunteers is fundamental to its ability to achieve its mission.  An organization's human resource policies should address both paid employees and volunteers, be fair, establish clear expectations, and provide for meaningful and effective performance evaluation.

A. Personnel Policies

1. A nonprofit should have written personnel policies and procedures, approved by the hoard of directors, governing the work and actions of all employees and volunteers of the organization. In addition to covering basic elements of the employment relationship (e.g. working conditions, employee benefits, vacation and sick leave), the policies should address employee evaluation, grievance procedures, confidentiality of records and information, and employee growth and development.
2. With respect to volunteers, the organization’s policies and procedures should address recruitment, initial assessment or screening, assignment to and training or appropriate work responsibilities, supervision, evaluation, and opportunities for advancement.

B. Performance Evaluation

Organizations should have a system in place for regular written evaluation of employees and volunteers by their respective supervisors, which should take place on an annual basis.

C. Orientation

New employees and volunteers of the organization should receive an orientation, which includes review of the organization’s personnel policies and procedures as it relates to their role, and an introduction to the Louisiana Standards for Excellence. Employees and volunteers should be provided with a copy of the personnel policies and these Louisiana Standards for Excellence, and should acknowledge receipt in writing.

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