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Employers can get the best out of their staff if they create guidelines that would assist the employees to perform their responsibilities well. This is why it is necessary to create an employee handbook.

The employee handbook is a document that details the policies, procedures and behavioral expectations that the company demands from its employees. The handbook could be a great guide in monitoring employee performance.

You may not need an employee handbook if you run a small company with very few employees. Companies that employ large number of staff need an employee handbook.

Employee handbooks are living documents i.e. they are constantly reviewed and updated. When developing the handbook, you should know that the sole purpose of the handbook is to let the employees know what sort of behavior or performance is expected of them.

Your handbook should be reviewed by a competent employment law attorney so you can be guided on what is legal to include. All employees who are recruited must sign a receipt and acknowledgement form to acknowledge that they have read and understood the guidelines and procedures outlined in the handbook.

What sort of information should you include in the handbook? A lot would depend on your own circumstances and the type of company you run. As a guide, we have included a sample outline that you can use to create an employee handbook. As stated earlier on, you should have an attorney to review the content before distributing to your staff.

OVERVIEW

Introduction and Purpose of the Handbook
Foreword by President/CEO
Company History
Company Mission Statement/Values

GENERAL INFORMATION

Equal Employment Policy
American Disability Policy
Personal Safety
Sexual Harassment
Drug, Alcohol, Violence and Weapons

COMPANY POLICIES

Visitors
Security
Dress Code
Electronic Device Usage

BENEFITS

Benefits Eligibility
Health Insurance
Dental Plans
Life Insurance

COMPENSATION

Promotions
Bonuses
Stock Options
Tuition Reimbursement

LEAVE OF ABSENCE/OTHER POLICY

Employee Hours and Work Schedule
Pay Periods
Overtime
Lateness and Attendance Records
Sick Leave
Vacation Time
Conditions of Leave

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employee and Employer Confidentiality Agreement
Code of Conduct
Employee at will
Non compete Agreement
Termination Policy
Employee Handbook Disclaimer

The above outline is not exhaustive and each company and industry would have different content for their employee handbook.