What Goes Into an Employee Handbook? Company Values and Mission Statement. General Employment Information. Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Laws. Standards of Conduct. Employee Benefits. Confidentiality / Non-Disclosure Agreement / Conflict of Interest. Disciplinary Policies. Disclaimer.
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 standard sections of an employee handbook include Preface, Company Profile, Orientation & First Day, Health & Safety, Classifications & Schedules, Compensation & Benefits, Leave, Performance, Appropriate Use, Conduct & Company Policy, Discipline & Termination, Glossary, and Agreement.
Here's an example: “You'll find everything you need to know in this comprehensive employee handbook. It covers everything from our organizational structure and expectations of new employees to important resources such as our safety and well-being policies and available development opportunities we offer.
It is our privilege to welcome you to Company Name. We wish you every success in your new job, and we hope that you quickly feel at home.
The handbook usually starts with an introduction which mentions the company's history, core values and expected behaviour. It then moves on to policies and procedures. The following policies are essential and should be included in an employee handbook: Data protection.
No matter what size your business, an employee handbook is essential. Employee handbooks define company policies and list procedures for addressing employee questions and issues. Defining your policies and procedures up front will help your business run more smoothly and prevent conflicts down the line.
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.
Are employee handbooks required by law? It's not legally required to provide an employee handbook.
Employee handbooks are not legally binding unless they explicitly state that they are. 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.