Creating an employee handbook is beneficial for both employees and employers. By sitting down and working with a professional to provide an overview of your company’s policies, key procedures, guidelines and benefits you set clear expectations. Your handbook can also define employee obligations and rights.
A well-written employee handbook can work to protect your company against employee lawsuits and claims. This is why you should write your handbook as if it’s a contract, reserve the right to modify the policies and avoid making promises you may not be able to keep.
7 reasons why a handbook is beneficial
There are myriad reasons to create an employee handbook. These reasons include to:
- Express the culture, mission and values of your business
- Set clear policies regarding discrimination and harassment and the steps to take if issues arise
- Educate and orient employees about what they can expect from management and leadership
- Communicate company policies to employees and managers to avoid misunderstandings later
- Highlight the benefits your company provides
- Comply with federal and California state laws and regulations
- Ensure fair and consistent treatment of employees and list where employees can turn for help
It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is never more true in business and with employee handbooks.
Mandatory policies to include In California handbooks
There are mandatory policies in California which must be a part of every employee handbook. Your handbook is required to have written policies on harassment, discrimination and retaliation prevention. Employees need to know and understand their rights and obligations. Having these policies established and communicated protects your business from potential liability.
An employee handbook is an investment in the future of your company. It benefits employees, managers and owners because it offers transparent communication of expectations. A well-considered and crafted manual is a must for medium and large businesses.