If your company has more than one employee, it is imperative that you create an employee handbook. An employee handbook not only serves as the foundation of your company’s culture, but it also can be one of your strongest legal defenses. Here are 3 reasons you should create an employee handbook:
- Employee Handbooks Welcome and Inform Your Employees
Your employee handbook functions as the first real opportunity to get new employees familiar with company rules, expectations and culture. It also covers topics like paid holidays, insurance coverage, sick days and dress code. These are questions new, and even existing, employees will have.
Additionally, the employee handbook outlines employee responsibilities and clarifies logistics, so employees know the process for logging their hours, requesting PTO or who they should call if they’re going to be late. When this information is easy and accessible, new employees will feel better acclimated and will be more likely to succeed.
- Employee Handbooks Keep You In Compliance
No matter the state/s your company operates in, you are subject to many different state and federal laws. The employee handbook should communicate how your company is in compliance with these laws. For example, if your employee is called in for extended jury duty or goes on medical leave, you want to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities. Your Military Leave Policy should also be clearly outlined.
- Employee Handbooks Protect You In the Case of a Lawsuit
At some point, as an employer, you are bound to face an employee lawsuit or some sort of legal challenge. If and when this occurs, your employee handbook will be the best document you have. It shows that your company operated with a degree of concern for your employees. And, the most important part of the employee handbook? Your employees’ signature on the acknowledgement page. This shows workers were aware of certain policies, and agreed to follow the rules and processes put in place.
Already have an employee handbook in place? We’re glad to hear! But it may be due for an update. Check out the Top 5 Employee Handbook Updates for 2016 to learn more about what your employee handbook may be missing.
EPAY provides mid-to-large employers with easy-to-use, seamless human capital management. Learn how our solution can help ease your HR burden. Request a demo!