What types of things are most important to include in an employee handbook?
Employee handbook Overview Employee handbooks are an important tool for companies to communicate their goals, procedures, policies, and expectations with employees. Ideally, handbooks are a useful point of reference, and help to avoid miscommunications regarding workplace conduct. The key to a well-crafted handbook is including necessary information without making it monotonous or overloaded. To Include […]
Employee handbook
Overview
Employee handbooks are an important tool for companies to communicate their goals, procedures, policies, and expectations with employees. Ideally, handbooks are a useful point of reference, and help to avoid miscommunications regarding workplace conduct. The key to a well-crafted handbook is including necessary information without making it monotonous or overloaded.
To Include
Best practices suggest that including the following can be helpful in establishing a successful employee handbook:
- Mission Statement and Goals – Offer employees insight into the company’s culture and goals.
- Sexual Harassment & Discrimination – Provide clarity on policies regarding harassment or discrimination.
- Compensation – Include wage and hour laws, taxes, pay schedule, raise policy, overtime, and injury compensation.
- Schedule – Explain attendance and punctuality requirements. Note shift change and requesting time off procedures.
- Employee Conduct – Include dress code and workplace conduct expectations.
- Problem Resolution – Provide a procedure for how employees can handle problems they encounter with co-workers, customers, etc.
- General Information – Mention any specific information regarding employment eligibility, training, referrals, workplace safety requirements, termination procedure, etc.
Final Tips
Ideally, an employee handbook can be a helpful resource for employees to turn to whenever questions or situations arise in the workplace. Establishing a thorough and compliant handbook early on can be a valuable asset for everyone moving forward. Want a leg up? See our employee handbook examples for more information.
Helpful Links:
Tips on Writing and Employee Handbook – SBA.gov
Checklist for Employee Handbook – hrworld.com
