Employee Handbook Basics
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EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK: Sample Handbook Table of Contents
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK: The Importance of the Employee Handbook
Employment At-Will Handbook Policy
HIPAA Handbook Policy
FORMS AVAILABLE IN THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS OF USE AND ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY. LEGAL
ADVICE OF ANY NATURE SHOULD BE SOUGHT FROM LEGAL COUNSEL IN THAT THE FORMS ARE PROVIDED AS SAMPLES AND MODEL GUIDELINES.
Frequently Asked Question's
Introduction
An employee handbook is a tool designed to familiarize employees to a new organization and to serve as a reference for information the employee may need. The handbook should present
the philosophy of the organization including mission and vision, the strategic plan, and the working environment. The handbook should be written in a manner that is clear and
understandable, upbeat and positive. The handbook should include information that is relevant and important to all employees. Subject matter that should be included in a handbook
include: employment policies and procedures, orientation information for new employees, legal obligations of the employer and employees, and the responsibilities the employer and
employee have to each other. All employee handbooks must be constructed carefully to avoid verbiage that would imply an employment contract. Due to the potential legal liability, an
employee handbook should include a signed acknowledgement page and be reviewed regularly for necessary revision and current information.
What is the difference between an employee handbook and a policy manual?
A Policy Manual is the formal full set of policies and procedures relating to the workforce of an organization. It is usually written for the use of the company management team to
make decisions relating to workplace issues. An Employee Handbook should be written for employees in a style and format that is easy to use. The Handbook may reference certain
policies and procedures but in a more informal manner then would be found in a policy manual. A Policy Manual would include detailed rules and regulations regarding employment
practices. For example, an employee handbook would reference vacation benefits and schedule. However, a Policy Manual would detail exactly how vacation is accrued, when and how
vacation can be requested, and the rules and regulations governing how and when earned vacation is paid. While a Policy Manual may be several pages long, depending on many factors,
the Employee Handbook is usually a relatively small booklet.
Should the handbook be a set of rules?
The employee handbook should positively reflect common practices and procedures the company applies in their daily operation. The handbook should provide detailed guidelines
outlining the employer s expectations regarding how employees should conduct themselves, but be written IN a manner that emphasizes teamwork BETWEEN the company AND the employee TO
achieve the goals OF the organization.
Should the handbook be a contract?
Employee handbooks are intended to be used as an informational tool providing company information, organizational values and an overview of common policies and procedures. It is not
meant to be construed as rigid and contractual. Not all employment situations can be anticipated, and individuals differ; therefore, management needs flexibility in employee
relations. Employee handbooks should include an employment at will disclaimer and a general disclaimer stating that the handbook is provided as a guide and can be altered as
business conditions, laws, and regulations change and should not be considered an employment contract.
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