Hey, we’re all adults here. Most American workers are. And as adults, your employees are capable of committing to a job, working responsibly, and relying on their own decisions. You wouldn’t have hired them if you didn’t think they’d be able, trustworthy team members. So why do so many companies cling to HR policies that treat their employees like children?

These five HR policies need to grow up:

1. Unreasonable attendance policies. Ten minutes late? Here’s a tardy slip—er, a written warning. What self-respecting adult wants to go back to that level of scrutiny? Trust that your employees are trying to make it on time, but know that mornings are full of variables like traffic, kids, and alarms that don’t go off. Is this worth disciplinary action? Of course, the habitually late employee may need help figuring out how to get to work on time. That’s when a friendly conversation can help.
2. Taboo salary discussions. What’s to fear from letting employees discuss their compensation? If your compensation policies are fair and consistent, let your employees talk about their take-home. Better yet, demystify it all by setting a compensation scale.
3. Doctor’s notes. Many companies still require a doctor’s note to verify illness or to provide clearance to return to work. (Forging Mom’s signature is one thing!) Problem is, most adults know how to weather common illnesses without seeing the doc. If an employee doesn’t feel well enough to work, trust that they know their bodies best. And remember, mental health days can be just as important to productivity and well-being.
4. Permission to transfer positions. Some of the biggest gigs in the nation have policies that require employees to get their manager’s approval to change roles or promote internally (like, hey Mom and Dad, can I quit piano lessons?). What message does that send about employee development and retention? And why would you ever want to make it easier to take a job outside the company than a job inside it?
5. Proof of bereavement leave. Maybe someone somewhere lied about Grandma’s death to get a few days off (or an extension on the midterm paper). But is this worth insulting your employees by asking for a funeral notice? Trust and sympathy pair a lot better with grief than micromanagement and suspicion. And if you can’t trust your team not to lie about Grandma, maybe you should rethink who you hire!

Your employees are the brains behind your company’s future. You chose them for a reason, because they are dependable, trustworthy adults who don’t need HR policies to parent them. Trust them to think and make decisions for themselves!