how to write an effective employee handbook
DESCRIPTION
Wondering how to write an employee handbook? Whether you’re an entrepreneur ready to hire your first staff or an established company who needs an updated employee handbook, there‘s a laundry list of items to consider including. This basic employee handbook template will help you start writing an employee handbook that clearly defines company guidelines. Here are key components to consider:TRANSCRIPT
Easy Small Business HR 1
How to Write an Effective
Employee Handbook
Special Report From: EasySmallBusinessHR.com
Wondering how to write an employee handbook?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur ready to hire your first staff or an
established company who needs an updated employee handbook,
there‘s a laundry list of items to consider including. This basic
employee handbook template will help you start writing an
employee handbook that clearly defines company guidelines. Here
are key components to consider:
General Employment Information
An employee handbook for small business should include an
overview of your general employment policies, which may
include:
Employment eligibility requirements
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Probationary period policy
Job classifications
Job posting protocol
Work schedules
Policies for attendance and reporting absences
Flex scheduling or telecommuting guidelines, if necessary
Employee records
Transfer & relocation procedures
Termination & resignation policies
Union info, if necessary
Compensation
Explain the deductions to be withheld from paychecks, including
required state and federal taxes as well as deductions for voluntary
benefit programs the employee may participate in. Also outline the
company’s legal obligations for overtime compensation.
In addition, when you’re writing an employee handbook, spell out
policies regarding timekeeping, breaks, pay schedules,
performance reviews, salary increases, and bonus opportunities.
Leave
The handbook should also contain the company’s leave policy,
especially when regarding legally-mandated situations, such as
family medical leave, military duty, jury duty, or time off for
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voting. Also outline policies regarding holidays, vacations,
illnesses, and bereavement.
Employee Benefits
When writing an employee handbook always include details for all
company benefit programs, such as health insurance, retirement,
etc. Include explanations of benefits your business may be required
to provide, such as worker’s compensation, COBRA, and disability
insurance.
Do you offer fringe benefits? Detail those as well, whether it’s
reimbursement for business travel or tuition assistance.
Standards of Conduct
Outline the behaviors you expect in the workplace. If your small
business is in a regulated industry or it has legal obligations to
customers, clients, or vendors, ensure that employees are aware of
their obligations regarding the laws.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
You are required to comply with the equal opportunity
employment laws that bar workplace discrimination and
harassment. Include information about these regulations and your
expectations for how employees should comply with them.
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Employee Safety & Security
An employee handbook for small business should outline the
policies that create a safe, secure environment. These include
OSHA laws and requirements, such as accident reporting, injuries,
safety suggestions, etc.
The company security policy will cover the employee’s
responsibility for protecting the physical environment (such as
locking doors at closing time) and the information environment
(such as locking down computers when they’re not in use.)
Technology
With tech playing an increasingly critical role in how businesses
operate and communicate, it’s important to specifically state
guidelines for the workplace use of software and computers,
including social media use. If you collect personally identifiable
information from customers, the employee handbook should also
include steps workers must take to keep the information secure.
Non-Disclosures & Conflict of Interest
If you need to protect a trade secret (like your restaurant’s secret
sauce) or prevent conflicts of interest, non-disclosure agreements
(NDAs) and conflict of interest statements are a proactive way to
protect your company’s proprietary info.
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Media Relations
Small businesses owners and managers know how important it is
to have a single, consistent voice to represent the company to the
media. Let employees know how to handle questions from
reporters or other media outlets, including bloggers. If you have a
company spokesperson, list that person’s name and contact info in
the media section.
Make your job as an owner or manager easier.
Will writing an employee handbook for small business solve every
personnel issue? Probably not. But writing an employee handbook
that is clear and concise can go a long way toward reducing or
preventing confusion among employees—which means you can
spend more time leading the team instead of putting out fires.