If you need to produce physical manuals, FrameMaker or InDesign (if they are shorter, quick start manuals) will do a good job. You can get away with Word, but the page layout features are not as good.
Most employers are surprised to learn that California does not require companies to have an employee handbook.
And if your company doesn't have a handbook, managers and employees will need to rely on the company's “institutional memory” to ensure that policies are consistently applied. Work policies and expectations also take on more importance and are more likely to be followed when you codify them in an official handbook.
The key overarching categories typically included in an employee handbook are: Company mission statement, values, and/or history. Company policies, standards, and guidelines. Career, compensation and benefits information. Company procedures.
What should not be included in an employee handbook? Legalese. Company procedures, work processes, and job descriptions should not be included so that you will not need to update the entire handbook each time one of these changes. Health and welfare benefits details.
How to write an employee handbook Include your company's mission statement. Write a brief section on company history. State any legal declarations. Explain your dress code. Include details about work hours. Define duties. Include department-specific policies. Describe company benefits.
Standard Documents Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Policy (CA) Disability Accommodations Policy (CA) Anti-Harassment Policy (CA) Anti-Retaliation Policy (CA) Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention Policy (CA) Religious Accommodations Policy (CA)
Certain policies are mandatory and must be included in your employee handbook. For example, California employers must have a written harassment, discrimination and retaliation prevention policy. Including these policies clarifies for employees their rights and obligations, and protects you from potential liability.
The topics included in the employee handbook should cover the employer's mission statement, equal employment opportunity statement, contractual disclaimer and at-will employment statement (where allowed), purpose of the employee handbook, and background information on the company.
5 little-known policies that need to be in your employee handbook Dress code policy. Employee dating policy. Flexible work arrangement policy. Gifts and favors policy. Employee complaint-resolution policy.