Employee Handbook Update: Critical Elements

No matter how many people you employ, you have to deal with performance, communication, conflict, benefits, morale, productivity and attendance, as well as scores of state and federal employment laws and regulations. Periodic policy reviews and updates are critical. We can help you create, review, or update your handbook.

Here are just a few reasons your organization needs a well-drafted handbook:

Prevent Illegal & Inappropriate

Behavior

  • Employer risk goes up with no written policies
  • Good intentions are not sufficient
  • Discrimination and harassment still exist
  • Workplace bullying and violence still exist

Establish Your Organizational Culture

  • Your policies help set the tone for the work environment you create
  • Your leadership team establishes culture, climate and teamwork within the organization

Defend Your Workforce

  • Identify primary risks employees face
  • Explain how risks are addressed and minimized
  • Discuss importance of safety within the organization

Safeguard Critical Information

  • Protect customer/client information
  • Protect employee information
  • Protect trade secrets; assure confidentiality
  • Hold people accountable

Open Channels of Communications

  • Identify FAQs; who to ask
  • Explain organizational and communications structures
  • Identify what staff can expect from leadership

Outline & Communicate

Expectations

  • Explain performance standards and requirements
  • Give expectations of service and quality
  • Review attendance, dress code, behavior, etc.

Protect Your Organization

  • Written policies help promote compliance
  • Written policies help create consistency within your management team
  • Cost of a handbook is far less than defending your organization against legal action