Does Your Business Need an Employee Handbook?
Short answer, yes. Every business that has more than one employee should have an employee handbook. A well-written handbook describes the expectations and legal obligations of both employer and employee. This can help avoid potential issues and arguments regarding pay, benefits, disability, sick leave, overtime, etc.
What is an employee handbook?
An employee handbook is a document that outlines an employer's policies, procedures, and expectations for its employees. It serves as a guide for employees and provides them with important information about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
An employee handbook typically includes information on a range of topics, such as:
Company culture and values
Employee benefits, such as vacation time, sick leave, and health insurance
Code of conduct and expected behaviors
Anti-discrimination policies and procedures
Safety and security policies
Employment classifications and job descriptions
Disciplinary procedures
Grievance procedures and dispute resolution processes
Employee privacy policies
Social media policies
An employee handbook can be an important tool for employers to communicate their expectations to employees and to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and consistently. It can also help to reduce the risk of legal disputes and create a positive work environment.
Employers should ensure that their employee handbooks comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and should review and update the handbook regularly to reflect any changes in policies or procedures.
How often should an employee handbook be updated?
Employers should review and update their employee handbook regularly to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date. The frequency of updates may depend on a variety of factors, including changes in laws or regulations, changes in company policies, and changes in industry practices.
As a general guideline, employers should review their employee handbook at least once a year and update it as needed. This can help to ensure that the handbook reflects any changes in the law or company policy that may have occurred since the last review.
Employers should also consider reviewing the handbook whenever there is a significant change in the workplace, such as a merger or acquisition, a change in management, or a change in the company's mission or values.
In addition to regular reviews, employers should ensure that all employees receive a copy of the handbook when they are hired and that they are given updates as they occur. This can help to ensure that all employees are aware of the company's policies and expectations and can help to avoid misunderstandings or disputes.
Overall, updating the employee handbook regularly is an important part of maintaining a positive and productive workplace and can help to ensure that the company complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
What is the right type of employee handbook for your business?
If you own a business and you have multiple employees it is critical that you at least have a standard employee handbook for all of your employees. If you're on a budget, there are standard form and do-it-yourself employee handbooks available. However, these handbooks are not designed to meet your specific needs and company policies and may not be up-to-date with the latest employment laws and regulations. For this reason, it is recommended that you hire an experienced employment attorney to help you draft a fully customized employee handbook.
At Cutler | Riley Law, we have experience drafting and reviewing many customized employee handbooks for every kind of business. Book a free consultation with us today to discuss your employment needs!