An employee handbook is important for both employers and employees. The handbook is a vehicle for employers to communicate policies and procedures and set expectations for the work environment. Employees look to the handbook for important information about work place rules.
Employers should draft a handbook and keep the handbook up-to-date when processes change.
The U.S. Small Benefits Administration (SBA) offers guidance for drafting an employee handbook. The guidance can be found here.
Specifically, the SBA suggests the following be included in the handbook:
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Conflict of Interest Statements
- Anti-Discrimination Policies
- Compensation
- Work Schedules
- Standards of Conduct
- General Employment Information
- Safety and Security
- Computers and Technology
- Media Relations
- Employee Benefits
- Leave Policies
Employers may wish to review their handbooks or draft an initial handbook as part of benefits communication in the new calendar year.
