In any instance, there are a number of key elements to be included in an Employee Handbook. One emerging best practice is creating an employee handbook addendum specifically built around modifications to work and workplace culture created by COVID-19. Meal and rest breaks 6. This section of your employee handbook should explain what happens when someone quits or gets terminated. This information is for guidance, ideas, and assistance. Employee handbooks put your policies in writing and outline expectations for your employees. Performance review procedures 8. Here’s where you list out the benefits you offer your team and explain how they match up with the values you celebrate. The 4 Things You Should Never Put in an Employee Handbook. Confidentiality agreement 5. Need help with PPP? An employee handbook—or employee manual—is an important living document for your employees that outlines your company policies, history, and culture for current and future employees. Replies to my comments This means that either party can end the relationship at any point for any reason, with or without notice.”. 3. The employee handbook can also include a section on when it is appropriate to use personal cell phones and make personal phone calls. 2. A critical component of your employee handbook is the general information about being employed with your company. Then, start with the essentials and work your way up to the icing-on-the-cake benefits: It happens: Sometimes you just need to part ways. Consider including a policy on appropriate social media use. But, many organizations have employee handbooks that don’t resonate with employees and fail to communicate the critical messages that influence employee behavior. The employee handbook should include policies that comply with these standards (and applicable state wage and hour standards), as well as provide information for employees based on classification as either exempt or non-exempt, pay frequency, performance reviews, salary increases, and bonuses (if offered). An employee handbook is a valuable document that provides clarity on company policies. This clearly maps out who’s who, starting from the top to the very bottom. What Contents Are Recommended for an Employee Handbook? You undermine your employee handbook if a manager shows favoritism. While the task of creating or updating an employee handbook might seem daunting for a small business (really, who has the time? An employee handbook can seem unnecessary when you’ve got a small team. After a welcome and introduction from your president or CEO, begin with general employment information. While this won't prevent employee problems, it might help if an employee brings a lawsuit against you, saying they "didn't know" their behavior could get them fired. (Or, skip ahead and download the Employee Handbook Template. Notify me of follow-up replies to my comment via e-mail. Employee Handbook. While your employee handbook will be undoubtedly unique and particular to your culture and company values, we've created a sample employee handbook to help get you started. Susan Heathfield is an HR and management consultant with an MS degree. We decided the best companies to work for would be a good place to start. Employees receive more than just a paycheck every month from your organization. This will include topics employees care about, such as: 1. Even if some of the new policies are temporary in nature, it's still a good idea to update your written employee guidelines in the short term so that employees are aware of their rights and expectations. That’s a … What to include in an employee handbook An effective employee handbook includes: Your company’s mission, vision and an overview of its culture. It should lay out your legal obligations as an employer and your employees’ rights. At-will employment clause 2. One of the top motivations for businesses to create an employee handbook is to train new hires. The following document is an illustration of what not to include in your employee handbook. Third, the handbook should certainly include any workplace notices or policies that are required by law, such as those related to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA),Consolidated... Read more about Employee Handbooks Whatever the new policies may be, your employee handbook should be updated to clearly reflect them. Hiring policies 2. We will no longer accept a doctor’s statement (note) as proof of sickness. An employee handbook can help protect the organisation if a dispute is put forward by an employee. Can be a living document that evolves and grows with the organisation. Bring new employees into the fold by sharing this history with them. Social Media. The handbook lays out expectations about everything from the dress code to employee benefits to conduct policy. The site is read by a world-wide audience and employment laws and regulations vary from state to state and country to country. What about customers, vendors, and other partners? Workplace Professionalism and Company Representation, Use These Sample HR Policies and Procedures for Employee Management, A Look at the Purpose and Benefit of Having an Employee Handbook, Sample Employee Handbook Acknowledgement of Receipt, The Guidelines for Employee Handbooks and Why They Are Needed, Sample Weapons Policy to Put in an Employee Handbook, The Importance of Documentation in Human Resources, Essential Elements of an Employee Personnel File. Here’s an example of a sample at-will clause you can use as a model: “Keep in mind that [your company] is an at-will employer. Though 87% of small businesses sized 10-200 have employee handbooks, HR experts agree that it’s best practice to start a handbook as soon as you hire your first employee, as it defines expectations and can protect you legally. Formalize Polices, Even Temporary Ones. Now back to business: here are the main policies you’ll want to record in that employee handbook: One of the top motivations for businesses to create an employee handbook is to train new hires. Here are the policies, procedures, benefits, expectations of the employment relationship, professional behavioral expectations, and more that are often found in an employee handbook. This sample table of contents also covers pay, performance expectations, and legal issues. When someone’s finished reading this section, they should feel knowledgeable and well taken care of. Talk Shop Starting a Business • Hiring and Growth • Finances and Taxes • Team Management, Gusto.com Payroll • HR • Benefits and more. Review your employee handbook to make sure your policies are equitable. Resignation and termination procedures Keep in mind that some of this material, such as overtime pay r… Learn about Gusto’s HR services. ), it’s one of the most important tools to set your business up for success. Include in the handbook policies on all types of leave that are permissible, such as vacations, sick days, jury duty, maternity leave, etc. Open with a quick-reference section that outlines details such as which types of workers are eligible, when benefits kick in, and your plan’s policy number. Provide an overview of your business and layout basic policies 6. Reduces time wasted by management addressing questions about policy. Your employee handbook should contain equitable policies. She has covered HR for The Balance Careers since 2000. Sample Employee Handbook. If you want to have a great employee handbook, the one that your employees will really read, then your employee handbook should include more than just boring company’s policies. You can also subscribe without commenting. From your original vision to how your company came into being, your company’s story is the underlying foundation that inspires people to show up and do amazing things every single day. Provide a consistent message for your employees 4. Quick note: This is not to be taken as legal or HR advice. And last, don’t forget to share who you are and why you’re here! Introduction and welcome statement. It is important that every employee handbook include a policy regarding equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination. Leaves of absence 7. Make It a Success with These 8 Pro Tips. The kind of information you include will depend greatly on the size of your company, the industry you specialise in, and the tone or style you use to … Set the tone for your organization 2. 1. Include an introduction that tells employees why they should read the handbook. When additional resources are available on the site about a particular employee handbook item, click the links to find additional articles, policies, checklists, and forms here for central interest. Employee Handbook Examples: The Deep Dive. Home; Payroll; 11 Things to Include in Employee Handbooks. Though you’re not required by law to have an employee handbook, recording key policies can protect your business. It should go deeper and explain why you have those policies and why they are important. Now is the best time to switch. The purpose of an employee handbook is to educate new employees about working in your organization. Really a policy regarding equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination welcome and introduction from your organization by and! Sure your policies are equitable captures the culture, values, and legal issues from your or. 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