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How to Write an Effective

Employee Handbook

Special Report From: EasySmallBusinessHR.com

Wondering how to write an employee handbook?

Whether you’re an entrepreneur ready to hire your first staff or an

established company who needs an updated employee handbook,

there‘s a laundry list of items to consider including. This basic

employee handbook template will help you start writing an

employee handbook that clearly defines company guidelines. Here

are key components to consider:

General Employment Information

An employee handbook for small business should include an

overview of your general employment policies, which may

include:

Employment eligibility requirements

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Probationary period policy

Job classifications

Job posting protocol

Work schedules

Policies for attendance and reporting absences

Flex scheduling or telecommuting guidelines, if necessary

Employee records

Transfer & relocation procedures

Termination & resignation policies

Union info, if necessary

Compensation

Explain the deductions to be withheld from paychecks, including

required state and federal taxes as well as deductions for voluntary

benefit programs the employee may participate in. Also outline the

company’s legal obligations for overtime compensation.

In addition, when you’re writing an employee handbook, spell out

policies regarding timekeeping, breaks, pay schedules,

performance reviews, salary increases, and bonus opportunities.

Leave

The handbook should also contain the company’s leave policy,

especially when regarding legally-mandated situations, such as

family medical leave, military duty, jury duty, or time off for

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voting. Also outline policies regarding holidays, vacations,

illnesses, and bereavement.

Employee Benefits

When writing an employee handbook always include details for all

company benefit programs, such as health insurance, retirement,

etc. Include explanations of benefits your business may be required

to provide, such as worker’s compensation, COBRA, and disability

insurance.

Do you offer fringe benefits? Detail those as well, whether it’s

reimbursement for business travel or tuition assistance.

Standards of Conduct

Outline the behaviors you expect in the workplace. If your small

business is in a regulated industry or it has legal obligations to

customers, clients, or vendors, ensure that employees are aware of

their obligations regarding the laws.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

You are required to comply with the equal opportunity

employment laws that bar workplace discrimination and

harassment. Include information about these regulations and your

expectations for how employees should comply with them.

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Employee Safety & Security

An employee handbook for small business should outline the

policies that create a safe, secure environment. These include

OSHA laws and requirements, such as accident reporting, injuries,

safety suggestions, etc.

The company security policy will cover the employee’s

responsibility for protecting the physical environment (such as

locking doors at closing time) and the information environment

(such as locking down computers when they’re not in use.)

Technology

With tech playing an increasingly critical role in how businesses

operate and communicate, it’s important to specifically state

guidelines for the workplace use of software and computers,

including social media use. If you collect personally identifiable

information from customers, the employee handbook should also

include steps workers must take to keep the information secure.

Non-Disclosures & Conflict of Interest

If you need to protect a trade secret (like your restaurant’s secret

sauce) or prevent conflicts of interest, non-disclosure agreements

(NDAs) and conflict of interest statements are a proactive way to

protect your company’s proprietary info.

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Media Relations

Small businesses owners and managers know how important it is

to have a single, consistent voice to represent the company to the

media. Let employees know how to handle questions from

reporters or other media outlets, including bloggers. If you have a

company spokesperson, list that person’s name and contact info in

the media section.

Make your job as an owner or manager easier.

Will writing an employee handbook for small business solve every

personnel issue? Probably not. But writing an employee handbook

that is clear and concise can go a long way toward reducing or

preventing confusion among employees—which means you can

spend more time leading the team instead of putting out fires.

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