What Makes a Good Employee Handbook?

By Barbie Major

Things to Include
1. Broad disclaimer
2. Sexual harassment policy √
3. Equal Opportunity Employment policy √
4. Rules that comply with state & federal law √
5. Basic rules that will reduce general questions made by employees
6. Employee benefits
7. Expected & prohibited workplace conduct √
8. Clear and concise definitions
9. Day to Day procedures
10. Leaves of absence √
11. An acknowledgement page that requires a signature by new employees
12. The company’s mission statement as well as a brief history
13. Computer usage policy
14. Definitions of ‘full-time’ and other types of employees √

Things NOT to Include

1. Things that often change
2. Repetition of other company publications
3. Confidential information
4. Complicate rules that don’t apply to most of the employees

An Outline of a Good Handbook

Table of Contents
1. Introductory Statements
2. Preeminent Employment Policies
3. Working At The Company - Day To Day Procedures
4. Benefits
5. Leaves Of Absence
6. Rules And Regulations
7. Separation of Employment
8. Closing Statement
9. Receipts/Acknowledgments

1. Introductory Statements
* DISCLAIMER -- note state law tangents
o At-Will Employment
o Handbook Is Not A Contract
o Handbook Contains Guidelines Only
o All Policies Subject To Change In Company's Sole Discretion
o Official Documents Prevail
* Company mission statement and brief history
2. Vital Employment Policies
* Equal Employment Opportunity
o List Of Protected Classifications
State Law considerations
o Disability Accommodation
o Religious Accommodation
o Reporting Procedure

3. Daily Procedures
* Sexual Harassment
o Define Prohibited Conduct
o Provide Examples
o Set Forth Detailed Reporting Procedure -- With Options
o State All Allegations Will Be Investigated
o No Retaliation Provision
o Avoid detailed investigation policies
o Do not promise to advise on the results of investigation
* Non-Harassment
* Drug Free Workplace
o Additional Details Required If Testing Policy
* Workplace Violence Policy
* Employee Relations Policy
* Hours Of Work
* Any Relevant State Law Mandated Policies
* Problem-Solving Procedure
* Employee Classifications
o Define Policy Coverage Throughout
o Match Benefit Plan Descriptions
* Attendance And Punctuality
* Overtime
o Be Aware Of State Law Considerations
(Other Employment Policies to Consider)
* Paycheck Policies
* Performance Evaluations/Salary Reviews

4. Benefits
* Additional Disclaimer Language
* Time Off Benefits
o Be Careful Of State Law Issues
* Insurance Benefits
o Including Workers' Compensation And Short-Term Disability
o Ensure That It Is Clear That Full Plan Descriptions Govern
* Other Benefits

5. Leaves of Absence
 * State law considerations are CRUCIAL
* Jury And Witness Duty
* Bereavement Leave
* Military Leave
* Medical/Personal Leave
* Family And Medical Leave
o Recommend Inclusion Of Full Policy In Handbook To Ensure Employees Have
Notice
o Ensure Policy Is Integrated With Other Leave And Benefit Policies
o Be Aware Of State FML And Pregnancy Laws

6. Rules and Regulations

* Rules Of Conduct
* Confidential Information
* Conflicts Of Interest
* Communication And Computer Systems
* Smoking
* Solicitation And Distribution
* Inspections
* Use Of Cellular Phones
* Bulletin Boards
* Health And Safety
* Miscellaneous

7. Separation of Employment
* Resignation Policy
* Exit Interviews
* Return Of Property
* Severance (If Applicable)
* References

8. Closing statement
* Reiterate Handbook Contains Guidelines Only
* Remind Employees Of Company's Rights To Interpret Handbook Provisions
* Reiterate To Employees To Ask Their Supervisor Any Questions

9. Receipts and Acknowledgements

* General Handbook Receipt
o Written Acknowledgment Of At-Will Status
o Written Acknowledgment That Policies Subject To Change
* Specific Policy Receipts
o Sexual Harassment -- Strongly Recommended