HR Glossary

Employee Handbooks

What is an Employee Handbook?

An Employee Handbook is a document that outlines the expectations and rules for employees in a company. It typically includes information on benefits, pay, company policies, and HR procedures. Employee Handbooks can be helpful for both employees and employers, as they provide a clear understanding of the company’s policies and expectations. They can also help to resolve disputes or misunderstandings, and can be used as a reference tool.

What are the benefits of an Employee Handbook?

An Employee Handbook can provide a wide range of benefits to a company and its employees. Some of the benefits of having an Employee Handbook include:

  1. Clarifying the expectations and responsibilities of both the employer and the employee.
  2. Establishing a baseline for disciplinary action, up to and including termination, in the event that an employee violates company policy.
  3. Helping to ensure that all employees are treated equitably and fairly.
  4. Providing a resource for employees to reference when they have questions about company policy or their job duties.
  5. Serving as a record of the company’s policies and procedures, which can be helpful in the event of a legal dispute.

Who uses an Employee Handbook?

Employee handbooks are used by most, if not all, organizations to communicate policies and procedures to their employees. The handbook may also include the company’s philosophy, history, and other information about the company. The handbook is a valuable resource for both the employee and the employer. The employee can use the handbook to become familiar with the company’s policies and procedures, and the employer can use the handbook to ensure that employees are aware of the company’s expectations and standards.

How do you build an Employee Handbook?

Creating an Employee Handbook can be a daunting task, but it is well worth the effort. The Handbook should be tailored to your specific organization, but there are some general steps that can help you get started.

  1. Define the purpose of the Employee Handbook. The Handbook should not be a collection of rules and regulations, but rather a guide to help employees understand the organization’s policies and procedures. It should also provide a basic understanding of the employee’s rights and responsibilities.
  2. Draft a table of contents. The table of contents should list the major topics that will be covered in the Handbook. This will help you to stay organized and ensure that all important topics are included.
  3. Write the introduction. The introduction should provide a brief overview of the Handbook and its purpose. It should also outline the expectations that the organization has for its employees.
  4. Create a section on organizational policies. The policies section should include a description of the organization’s philosophy and how it is structured. It should also include information on the organization’s codes of conduct, ethics, and confidentiality policies.
  5. Draft a section on employee rights and responsibilities. This section should describe the basic rights that employees have, such as the right to privacy and to fair treatment. It should also outline the responsibilities that employees have, such as complying with the organization’s policies and procedures.
  6. Create a section on benefits and compensation. This section should provide information on the organization’s benefits and compensation policies. It should also include information on how to access benefits and how to file a claim for compensation.
  7. Draft a section on work rules. The work rules section should list the specific rules that employees are expected to follow while at work. This may include rules about dress code, attendance, and use of company property.
  8. Create a section on termination and exit procedures. This section should describe the process that employees must follow when they leave the organization. It should also include information on the severance package that employees are entitled to receive.
  9. Edit and finalize the Handbook. Once you have drafted the Handbook, it is important to edit and finalize it. This includes reviewing the content to make sure that it is accurate and up-to-date. It is also a good idea to have a lawyer review the Handbook to ensure that it meets all legal requirements.

Why do you need an Employee Handbook?

An Employee Handbook is an important document for any company because it sets out the rules and expectations for employees. It can help to avoid confusion and misunderstanding among employees, and can also help to protect the company in the event of any legal disputes. The Employee Handbook should be regularly updated to reflect any changes in company policy or employment law.

What sort of companies need an Employee Handbook?

There are many types of businesses that need an Employee Handbook. For example, a company with a large number of employees may need an Employee Handbook to ensure that all employees are aware of the company’s policies and procedures. Additionally, a company with employees in multiple states may need an Employee Handbook to ensure that employees in different states are aware of the company’s policies and procedures that apply to them. Additionally, a company may need an Employee Handbook if it has a specific dress code or other policy that it wants all employees to be aware of.

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