An employee handbook is a compilation of the policies, procedures, working conditions, and behavioral expectations that guide employee actions at work while also protecting the employer in case of any legal issues down the line. Here are eight ways an employee handbook can help create a great work environment:
1. Introduces your company’s culture, mission, and core values.
An employee handbook is a powerful tool to communicate your organization’s policies and practices, as well as its values, culture, and vision.
Studies show that properly introducing employees to your company culture and showing how they fit in helps create a sense of belonging, which in turn, helps employees become more productive.
2. Communicates to your employees what is expected of them.
A well-written handbook provides employees with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and creates a more harmonious workplace by offering guidance on expected behavior and conduct.
3. Lets employees know what they can expect from management.
An employee handbook provides objectives and leadership styles, as well as management best practices, to foster healthy management-employee relationships.
4. Helps ensure key company policies are clear and consistent.
A proper employee handbook will help familiarize your employees with your organization’s policies regarding employment, behavior, compensation, safety, and other policies and procedures you follow.
5. Showcases employee benefits.
Employees will be able to reference your employee handbook should they have questions regarding benefits such as paid time off (PTO), sick or holiday pay, health insurance and more.
6. Ensures compliance with federal and state law.
Your handbook not only communicates various entitlements and obligations to employees, but it also shows that your organization strives to be compliant with these regulations.
7. Helps defend you against employment claims.
Employee handbooks can protect employers by clearly stating the policies and procedures that can prevent liability. Courts may also consider an employee handbook to be a binding contract, even if the employment relationship is at-will.
8. Offers option for conflict resolution
An employee handbook communicates how employees can get help to resolve conflicts, report workplace violations, get work-related assistance, and answer any other questions they may have.
Does your organization have an effective employee handbook, or do you need help updating your current one?
With HR-On Demand, part of our HR Support Center suite, you can utilize the “Employee Handbook Wizard,” to create or edit your employee handbook or hire a professional handbook builder.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your free demo.
