What’s an Employee Handbook?
An employee handbook is a document where an employer can keep all their policies, procedures and other information an employee needs to have. Often, it forms a part of the employee’s contract, and employees are required to review the handbook and sign their copy to acknowledge their understanding.
Why Do You Need an Employee Handbook?
A good employee handbook sets a business up for success, in terms of setting expectations and managing the workforce. Handbooks give employees the lay of the land.
They set out the corporate culture, cover off legal obligations (like mandatory policy requirements) and communicate information like sick day allotments, benefits, and what to do if you’re running late, all in one place.
But I Only Have a Few Employees!
Smaller employers who manage with the do-it-yourself approach to HR especially need handbooks! Without an HR person to go to, the handbook can fill a vital role in communicating workplace information and policies to the workforce.
Staying Current
Laws change and business strategies evolve. It can be tough to keep up and make sure that what is communicated is still current – hello Bill 148 rollercoaster! Employers should make sure that the handbook is part of a regular business health check-up. The outdated handbook may give employees more or less information than the law requires which can cause problems.
Handbooks capture the details, but they can also be given the force of contract – enhancing the clarity and certainty of the employment relationship. Whatever legal route is taken it should be deliberate.
If you would like to engage SpringLaw for a consultation about creating or revising your employee handbook, get in touch!
