There are several reasons why a company should have a well-structured employee handbook. To name a few:
- Great way to communicate the company culture to the employees
- Sets the ethos of the company
- Sets expectations between the employees and the company
- Describe all the legal obligations of the employer towards the employee
- List all the employee rights
In this guide we will give you an idea on what to include in your employee handbook and also we share with you some employee handbook samples of some of the most respected companies in the world.
An employee handbook should at least include the following sections
Code of Conduct
This section should cover compliance policies, employee commitments towards the company, how to treat integrity issues, penalties for violations of company policies.
Business Policies and Procedures
This section should cover the responsibilities of all employees and their leaders. Specifically it should cover regulatory requirements, customer and suppliers relationships policies, government relationship policies, fair employment policies (working hours and wages) and how leaders should engage and motivate their employees.
Health and Safety
Its legal obligation for every company to protect the environment and the health and safety of employees. This section should cover how the company conducts its operations in a manner that is safe for employees and the environment. Also it should a guide on what the employee should do and what to watch out for
Security of intellectual property
In most companies intellectual property is one of its most valuable assets. And all employees should work to safeguard these assets. This section should set the tone on how to treat intellectual property as well as how to use other third party intellectual property.
Leaver Policy
The leave policies should be document in the employee handbook in detail. It should cover family matters, military matters, jury duty and should be inline with the local laws. Also it should cover vacation and sick leave policy
IT Hardware & Software
This section should cover the policies for appropriate use of tangible assets e.g. laptops, mobiles, software.
If you feel that you need further help with your employee handbook get it touch. We would love to help!
