Instant Delivery
There are a variety of channels available for distributing information to staff. Sharing a discussion is always preferable, although emails and memos can be useful in certain situations. Having employees have easy access to corporate information, and HR regulations via an established handbook can help cut down on the number of meetings and emails sent out to cover the same topic. Find out what an employee handbook is, how to create a powerful employee handbook, why it’s important, and that it will be read and followed by your staff.
What is an employee handbook?
Your company’s HR rules, procedures, and guidelines can be found in a document called – Employee handbook. As legislation, labor laws, and corporate policies grow, most employee handbooks are considered – living documents and are regularly updated to reflect these changes. Some businesses give workers a paper and bound copy of the employee handbook. In contrast, others keep the manual entirely digital, so it may be updated and distributed without effort.
Why you need a handbook for your staff
Your company’s employee handbook should inform workers about the laws regulating your business and the company’s standards for how employees should conduct themselves while at work. In most cases, federal and state employment laws are included in an organization’s handbook with more company-specific instructions and expectations. Having employees sign off on a document evidencing that they have read the handbook and are familiar with the company’s regulations is common practice at many companies.
When should you give out the employee handbook?
On their first day of work, most companies provide their new hires with a copy of the employee handbook as part of the onboarding process. The employee handbook, created by the Employee handbook creator, should be reviewed as part of the onboarding process to ensure the new hire understands and accepts the job’s requirements. In some circumstances, give the employee handbook sample pdf to new hires before their first day, so they can read it independently and come prepared with questions.
How to Create a Powerful Employee Handbook
It is essential to regularly review and update employee handbooks because of their length and depth. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind while you create and update your employee handbook or employee handbook sample pdf:
#1. Write it yourself.
Start with employee handbook templates. Industry-specific employee handbook templates are available. However, you and your HR staff should work together to ensure the handbook’s regulations are relevant to your firm and that the language matches the brand’s identity. Online data provides employee handbook samples.
#2. Check it over.
After writing the employee handbook, have an attorney review it. Since many of your employee handbook policies are federal and state mandates, you must know and convey them well.
#3. Verify readability.
A lengthy employee handbook with many rules and procedures might make the text rigid and uninteresting. Instead of legalese, write in your company’s tone and with readability in mind. This must be read and understood by staff.
Handbooks benefit you and your employees. Keep your employee handbook updated and easy to understand.
#4. Include it in onboarding.
Onboarding should include reading the corporate manual. Some workers will read it all. To ensure that new hires are aware of and prepared to satisfy all expectations, the entire employee handbook, or at least the most important sections, should be reviewed during onboarding.
#5. Get signatures.
To prove they received the employee handbook, have everyone sign a receipt. Keep this receipt with their job records. The signed receipt proves you gave the policy to an employee in writing if they later claim ignorance.
#6. Keep checking it.
Update the guidebook regularly. Annually update and evaluate the employee handbook. Evaluate and update your handbook more often if your company has a high turnover or rapid growth. Involve HR professionals in review and reorganization.
#7. Digitize it.
Preserve a digital copy even if you print the employee handbook for new hires. Updates can be made online without reprinting for employees. If you want to save money by not printing new handbooks every time a policy is modified, ensure all employees can access and find the digital version.