Employee handbooks are a necessary tool for any Human Resources department and published company-wide to communicate the organizations position on various subjects.

Communication is a part of our value system as with most organizations. Communicating the organization's policies and procedures through an employee handbook is one of the key elements in communication. It is crucial for any organization to implement an effective handbook, no matter the size or location. Without an employee handbook, employees may be unaware of the organizations position on an issue. Special time and attention to legal aspects as well as effective documentation of the organizations policies and procedures saves time and money with commonly asked questions. Upon distribution of the handbook, each employee should be required to sign a receipt acknowledging delivery.

Take a look at a general Employee handbook index.

General Policies

• Equal Opportunity (EEO) Statement
• Personal Information - Requirements for personnel records and proof of identity
• Attendance - Expectations for employee attendance
• Use of Company Property Policy
• Confidentiality - Confidential information policy, reporting and distributing
• Dress Code policy
• Safety - Safety policy and procedure for reporting
• Anti-Substance Abuse - Policy for reporting, drug testing and other issues
• Sexual Harassment - Procedure to report and maintain claims, example and definitions
• Smoking Policy
• Performance Reviews - Procedures, schedules, and results
• Employment Categories - Full-time and part-time, exempt and non-exempt

Compensation and Benefits

• Payroll - Payroll procedures, time keeping, reporting, pay schedules, commissions, bonuses and other pay
• Stock Plan - Procedures, buy-out, percentages, schedules and vesting
• Work hours - Business hours, department schedules, reporting, overtime and part-time
• Holidays - Schedule and procedures
• Vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO) - Schedules of program and annual policies, planning and reporting procedures and schedules of time accrued
• Leaves of Absent - Policies: Family and Medical (FMLA – Government mandated), Medical or Sick leave, Maternity leave, Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military leave and others
• Medical Insurance Benefits - Description of all medical benefits, eligibility, costs and procedure to report claims
• Retirement Plans - All features of retirement or savings plans
• Short Term Disability - The procedure to report and collect short-term disability insurance
• COBRA - Continued health care coverage following termination
• Workers’ Compensation - Procedure to report and maintain an injury or other claim
• Tuition Reimbursement Program - Continued education Policy
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy and Procedure
• Other Benefits - Credit Union, Employee Referral Programs, Idea Incentive Awards, Service Commendations, Employee Purchases, Annual Physical Examinations
  

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