Employee Handbook Overview
Purpose
The purpose of employee handbooks is to communicate to employees the rules of the employment relationship and to provide a written tool for consistent policy administration. Additionally, written employment policies and practices will demonstrate your good faith attempt to comply with employment laws and regulations. Most organizations consider a written employee handbook mandatory.
Typically, employee handbooks contain the following sections:
Introduction
Employment Policies
Wages, Salary, Pay, and Compensation
Employee Benefits
Safety and Health Policy
Absences
Employee Communications
Personal Conduct and Corrective Action
Acknowledgements of Receipt
The following discussion provides a list of topics that are normally covered in each of the sections mentioned above.
Welcome
Letter from the President
About the Business
Employment Policies
Employment Relationship
Definitions of Employee Classifications
Company Right To Change Policies
Equal Opportunity Employment
Orientation Period
Hours of Work
Rest Periods
Time Records
Personnel Records
Employment of Relatives
Employment of Minors
Performance Appraisals
Promotions
Employee Expense Reimbursement
Termination of Employment
Severance Pay
Layoffs and Recalls
Transfers
Medical Evaluations, Interviews, and Procedures
Retirement
Wage and Salary Administration Overview
Overtime pay
Payday
Payroll Deductions
Pay Advances
Wage and Salary Increases
COBRA
Social Security
Unemployment Insurance
Workers Compensation
Group Insurance
Life Insurance
401K
Vacations
Holidays
Sick Leave
Paid Time Off
Family and Medical Leave Act
Military Leave of Absence
Child Care
Company Vehicles
Educational Assistance
Relocation Assistance
Counseling Programs
Club Memberships
Professional Memberships
Employee Discounts for Products and Services
Commitment Statement
Requirement to Read and Understand Safety Handbook
Accident Reporting
Return to Work
Housekeeping
Smoking
Seat Belts
Safety Equipment
Family and Medical Leave Act
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
Weather and Emergency Closings
Job Abandonment
Sick Leave
Personal Leave of Absence
Short Term Disability Leave
Jury Duty
Voting
Funeral Leave
Alcohol and Drugs
Sexual Harassment
Employee Theft, Fraud, and Embezzlement
Conflict of Interest
Confidentiality
Confidential Information
Intellectual Property Rights
Falsifying Company Documents and Records
Fighting or Abusive Behavior
Insubordination
Unauthorized use of Company Property or Equipment
Absence without Notice
Telephone Use
Computer and Internet Use
Punctuality
Harassment
Personal Appearance and Hygiene
Solicitation
Parking
Handbooks
Supervisors
Bulletin Boards
Web Site
Suggestion Box
Grievances
US Mail
Acknowledgements
Employee Handbook Acknowledgement of Receipt
Workers Compensation Procedure Acknowledgment