Clear Writing

No Need to Word Your Corporate Policies More Harshly than the Penal Code

I often come across policies that read something like this: "Employees must answer every question before submitting request forms. Incomplete...
Clear Writing / Respectful Writing

Antiquated Policy Wording: The Problem with “Should”

This is the final article of a four-part series on drafting requirements in corporate policies, looking at the problems of...
Clear Writing / Respectful Writing

Antiquated Policy Wording: The Problem with “May”

This is the third article of a four-part series on drafting requirements in corporate policies, looking at the problems of...
Clear Writing / Respectful Writing

Antiquated Policy Wording: The Problem with “Must”

This is the second article of a four-part series on drafting requirements in corporate policies, looking at the problems of...
Clear Writing / Respectful Writing

Antiquated Policy Wording: “Must,” “May,” and “Should”

This is the first article of a four-part series on drafting requirements in corporate policies, looking at the problems of...
Clear Writing / Respectful Writing

Good Policy Statements Don’t Micro-manage

Instructions in a policy statement that amount to micro-management confuse rather than clarify the requirements. I’m sure you’ve seen them...
Clear Writing / Respectful Writing

DON’T Define Sexual Harassment

The #MeToo movement has precipitated a lot of interest in protecting people from sexual harassment in the workplace. Corporations, universities,...
Clear Writing / Policy Enforcement

GDPR: I Consent to “Terms” not to a “Policy”

You don't give all your children the same name. If they're all named "Dave," then they'd all come running at...
Clear Writing

Ambiguity When Using “Should”

“Should” is a word policy writers reach for to convey some kind of moral imperative instead of a requirement. Moral...
Clear Writing

Using Different Titles for Policy Instruments

The titles given to both the authorities and the guidance documents must be consistent if they are to be understood....
Clear Writing

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