Legal requirements for Internal Work Regulations in Colombia
The Substantive Labour Code also sets out the elements this document must include. Below are the essential points that must be detailed:
The Internal Work Regulations are the set of rules that determine and regulate the conditions that the employer and its employees must adhere to in the course of the employment relationship.
For this reason, it is important to understand what an employment relationship means. It is a contractual relationship in which rights and obligations arise between a natural or legal person called the employer and a natural person called the employee or worker.
Why Internal Work Regulations are important
How can the lack of regulations lead to labour disputes and legal sanctions?
The Internal Work Regulations help maintain a healthy and harmonious workplace, as they contemplate and regulate different situations and/or issues that may arise at work, whether between employees or between the employee and the employer.
The Regulations set the rules to maintain order and harmony in the workplace, defining what can and cannot be done. In addition, they allow employees to be disciplined when prohibited conduct, actions, omissions, or behaviours occur at work. They also establish the rights, prerogatives, obligations, and prohibitions of the employer and employees.
Who approves the Internal Work Regulations
The Substantive Labour Code also sets out the elements this document must include. Below are the essential points that must be detailed:
- General working conditions:
- Working hours.
- Rest breaks and vacation periods.
- Work schedules, including special arrangements if applicable.
- Conduct rules:
- Obligations and prohibitions for both employees and the employer.
- Codes of conduct and workplace discipline.
- Disciplinary measures and procedures:
- Specification of minor, serious, and very serious offences.
- Procedures for applying disciplinary sanctions, in compliance with the principles of legality and due process.
- Occupational health and safety policies:
- Rules to prevent workplace risks and promote a safe environment.
- Procedures for responding to emergencies.
- Regulation of additional services and benefits:
- Use of facilities such as dining areas or recreational areas, if applicable.
- Policies for granting additional benefits such as bonuses, subsidies, among others.
A good Internal Work Regulations are important because they serve as a roadmap that sets the guidelines the parties must know and follow in their contractual relationship, and some reasons are:
- Establishing clear rules: They define the standards and rules of conduct that must be followed; moreover, they provide clarity on the company’s expectations and help maintain an orderly and respectful work environment.
- Protection of employee rights: They ensure that employees’ rights are protected and that current labour regulations are complied with. They establish working conditions, schedules, breaks, vacations, leave, among other relevant aspects.
- Conflict prevention: By establishing clear rules, they help prevent conflicts between employees and the company. Employees know their rights and responsibilities, and the company can take appropriate measures in the event of non-compliance.
It is important to bear in mind that the Internal Work Regulations are mandatory for both parties to the employment relationship.
If your company still does not have published Internal Work Regulations or you need to update them for 2025, contact us to receive expert advice.
