The importance of an employee handbook

There are several different ways that you can communicate with employees. You may hold routine meetings and verbally set out your aims and objectives as well as rules and expectations. While many employees will take in information this way, having it in writing can be much more effective.

This is where an employee handbook comes in. It is a written manual that contains key information about your company. Why is an employee handbook so important?

An employee handbook sets the standards

When communication is non-written, things can get lost in translation. A handbook allows you to set clear expectations, boundaries and rules that are unambiguous. Your employees will know what types of behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable. This can include things such as timekeeping and even matters as serious as discrimination.

Importantly, an employee handbook also clarifies the rights of your workers. For example, it can include your policies on maternity leave, sick pay, vacation time and much more. Having these policies in writing shows that your company implements policies that fall in line with state and federal employment laws.

The handbook should be given to both new and current employees and it can be updated to ensure compliance. Workers should confirm receipt of the handbook by providing a signature.

Important things to include in your handbook

The handbook can essentially include any information you wish. However, many employers find it beneficial to include the following:

• Dress code information
• Information about pay and benefits
• The ethos of the company
• Anti-discrimination policies
• Disciplinary protocols
• Required notice periods in contracts

We help businesses to draft employee handbooks or update them according to federal and state law. Call us today to book a consultation.