Communications Tools 101: Use an Employee Handbook

As we head toward the end of the year, now is a great time to update the policies and procedures in your company handbook.

What? You don't have an employee handbook yet?

It's easier than you think to create a handbook. But first a few words about why you need this critical document.

WHY BOTHER?

There's no law that requires you to have a company handbook. But there are laws that require employers to provide certain employment-related information to employees in writing, including:

• Equal employment opportunity statement
• Sexual harassment policy
• Compliance with immigration laws
• Wage and hour laws 
• Accident, emergency, safety and fire procedures

SAVE TIME, REDUCE RISK

Beyond legal requirements, an employee handbook saves time for everyone. Employees have a resource to consult instead of asking managers basic questions about time off, health insurance, tuition reimbursement and other company benefits.

COMMUNICATE EXPECTATIONS 

A handbook also covers expected employee standards of conduct like attendance, punctuality, substance abuse, and use of company property. By communicating your expectations in writing, it's easier to apply your employment policies consistently. That demonstrates fairness and helps deter claims of discrimination.

Smart employers require staff members to acknowledge in writing that they have received the company handbook when joining your company. You may also want employees to sign a statement annually confirming that they have read the updated handbook.

Do What You Do Best, and Let Benay Do the Rest!

Creating an employee handbook may feel daunting, but you don't need to start from scratch.

Clients of Benay Enterprises enjoy use of the ADP Employee Handbook Wizard. It's an easy-to-use online tool that lets us help you to create a professional quality employee handbook based on federal employment law.  

In addition to boiler-plate policies, we can customize your handbook with policies based on your company's culture and practices. (You'll want your business attorney to review your handbook for state-specific requirements and issues unique to your industry.)

Best of all, we can update your handbook easily as conditions change. That saves time, so you can focus on growing your business.

To discuss your employee handbook options, just give us a call or an email. We're here to help!