Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are step-by-step instructions that act as guidelines for employee work processes. Effective SOPs are complete, clearly written, and based on input from the workers who do the job. When employees follow the SOP for a particular job, they produce a product that is consistent and predictable.
Managers can use the SOP framework to develop target ranges and make assessments of individual performance. Employees who work in compliance with SOPs know exactly what is expected of them, and they plan their work schedules to meet their goals with efficiency.
Standardized procedures guide workers and reduce the possibility of missed steps or other errors that impact the quality of the completed product or service. Meticulously followed SOPs ensure that your product or service is created in the same way from start to finish. Providing a blueprint that creates consistency and protects the integrity of your product or service.
If the details of your business processes are stored in a key employee’s head and not in a procedures manual, the loss of the employee can be disastrous. Documentation of job processes survives employee attrition due to retirement and resignation and allow your company to carry on as usual. It’s hard to replace experienced, skilled workers, but comprehensive well-written SOPs ensure that your valuable business processes stay with your business.
Depending on the complexity of the task and the experience of employees, SOPs may not completely substitute for training. Documented procedures are a valuable component of the new-hire toolkit and can reduce training time. They act as reference guides and allow new employees to work independently without excessive reliance on supervisors.
If your long-term goals include expanding your business to branch offices, ready-made SOPs make your proven work processes portable. New employees at new locations can uphold your reputation by using the SOPs to replicate the products and services provided at your original place of business.
