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.
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.
Generally speaking, an employee handbook is not a legally binding contract unless it explicitly states that it is. However, certain statements in the handbook can be interpreted as contractual promises if they are specific enough and imply mutual obligations between employer and employee.
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.
Most employers are surprised to learn that California does not require companies to have an employee handbook.
A code of conduct outlines the ethical and professional standards expected of employees. It aims to guide behavior, ensuring that all employees act in a manner that upholds the company's values and maintains a professional environment. It is usually a policy found within an employee handbook.
Most employers are surprised to learn that California does not require companies to have an employee handbook. However, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) requires that California employers with at least five employees distribute written harassment, discrimination, and retaliation prevention policies.
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.
If you don't have an employee handbook, opposing counsel will likely use the absence of a handbook to prove the absence of any consistent policies or procedures upon which employees are treated.
Can You Fire Someone for Not Signing The Employee Handbook? No, an employee cannot be fired for not signing an employee handbook. However, employers may require employees to sign the handbook as a condition of employment and can take disciplinary action if they refuse to do so.