The purpose of an Employee Handbook is to provide information to employees that is meaningful and relevant. As an employer, the objective is to both create a positive representation of the business and provide consistency in administering the organization’s policies and procedures. Some topic areas that might commonly be found in an Employee Handbook are:
- Messages from the President/Owner/CEO
- Company Mission/Vision/Value Statements
- Employee Benefits and Compensation Information
- Standards of Conduct for Employees
- Orientation information for new employees
- Legal obligations of employer and employees
Aside from the content within a handbook, there are other things to consider when creating an employee handbook. This really is an employee’s first impression of your organization. As most Employee Handbooks are delivered to new employees on their first day of work or during the orientation process, this is often the first time they see the organization’s mission and values spelled out. It provides an opportunity for the employer to put their best foot forward.
Good employees are difficult to find and employers must focus on retaining top talent and attracting the best workers. If an organization has an impressive benefits package, a handbook is a great place to showcase this. If an organization prides itself on training opportunities, why not include references in the handbook? Sharing the company’s history, mission, and values with employees gives them a look into the organization as a whole and how their role impacts the greater picture.
Handbooks are also a tool used to enforce rules and document behavioral expectations and standards. It sets ground rules for employees and gives managers and supervisors a reference when conducting employee counseling and progressive discipline. Clear expectations and consequences are essential when managing employees. Including a set of Work Rules, Standards of Conduct, and a clearly defined Progressive Discipline policy in the Employee Handbook helps eliminate “gray areas” for both managers and employees.
Ensuring that a Handbook includes all the necessary legal updates is also crucial. In our ever changing legislative world, managers and employees can get lost in the sea of legalese. Clear, concise policies that provide up-to-date information regarding protections for employees and the employer, such as a Family Medical Leave of Absence policy (FMLA), a Harassment Policy, and an Immigration Law Compliance Statement, give employees a sense that their employer is compliant with the law, and it can help mitigate risk for the organization.
An Employee Handbook is an essential communication tool for employee and employer expectations and is not an easy task to handle single-handedly. Work with a Xenium HR professional to customize your handbook to reflect both your culture and best practice policies within appropriate regulatory guidelines.