As an employer, it's easy to assume your employees know what is expected of them. However, this is not always the case. It's important to create workplace expectations to ensure everyone is on the same page. All expectations should be realistically achievable and leave no room for guessing or assuming.

1. Document each employee's job description in writing. This job description should describe exactly what the employee can expect her job duties to be on a daily basis. Go over the job description verbally with the employee to ensure she understands what is expected of her.
2.  Let employees know what your performance expectations are, including productivity percentages, attendance and punctuality. These expectations also should be documented in writing and gone over verbally with the employees. By putting performance expectations in writing, you are more likely to hit the bull's-eye on your company's performance goals.
3. Create a document describing your behavioral expectations. For instance, you can mention what type of language or jokes are not allowed, cellphone usage on the production floor, designated smoking areas, company Internet and email usage.
4.  Ask employees for feedback regarding your expectations. Perhaps some of your expectations are too high. By opening up the floor for feedback it shows you are genuinely interested in how each employee feels. Consider adjusting some of your expectations based on the employee feedback.
5. Mention the consequences for not meeting company expectations, as well as the rewards for exceeding the expectations. Describe the disciplinary process an employee can expect to experience for not meeting expectations. For instance, she may receive a verbal warning the first instance, a written warning the second time and coaching or counseling the third instance, followed by termination.
6. Get each employee to sign a form acknowledging that she understands what is expected of her. By getting this signed form, you can hold each employee accountable. Place a copy of this signed document into the employee's personnel file for future reference.

Source : work.chron