How to Develop an Employee Handbook

By hrlineup | 02.01.2020

Any business that is growing from strength to strength needs to have some controls in place to better manage the employees. This helps them comply to the rules and clarifies the expectations of the organization. A brilliant tool that will ensure that all are aware of company expectations is the company employee handbook. This book requires careful consideration and though when it is being developed. Some points that must be considered are as follows: –

Simple Language

A new employee handbook should have language that is simple and easy to understand. It is essential for one to avoid jargon, as this may bring issues in the future as there may be a lack of clarity in the information. By using language that is simple, an HR manager makes sure that there is nothing which is lost in translation.

Ensure that it is Transformational

The HR employee handbook needs to be transformational in nature. This means that it should contain information about the culture of the company, and how one is able to achieve unprecedented growth within it. This also should take into consideration the company values and how they apply to employees, so that the employees can feel as though they are important and understood.

Access on Digital Devices

In the past, if anyone was looking for the employee handbook, they would need to find the HR and try and go through what was probably a large and cumbersome document. For those employers who are looking to ensure that all employees read the handbook, it is key to make it as convenient as possible. This requires consideration of having the employee manual available on a mobile device. This will ensure that it is always accessible, so that whenever any person wants to review it, they are able to do so from their desks or even when out in the field.

Outline Safety and Security Rules

Any job, even one which entails a person remaining seated at a desk the whole day, may harbor some risk. In the employee handbook, all safety and security issues should be addressed so that employees are conversant with what is being done to ensure that they are taken care of while on the job. Furthermore, the steps that should be taken in case any incident arises should also be well outlined, including what to do in case of a fire, flood or even an earthquake. This communicates that the company has taken the time to have a plan in place so that employees can feel safe while they are at the work place.

Address the Benefits

Perhaps the one section that almost all employees will rush to go through is the section that is dealing with benefits. In the handbook, ensure that you address what are the expected hours of working. This should apply for those who are working full time as well as those who are part time. Also include details on how overtime works and who can qualify for it.

Other benefits one can receive, particularly if they are working full and part time should be well outlined. There should also be information on additional benefits that one can receive as they climb the corporate ladder. In this section, you should also be able to get some clear information on leave and they way this works as well.

Also, compensation and pay should be well defined within the handbook, including details like when people will be paid, and how often they will receive their pay. This is essential when it comes to managing expectations. Also include the taxes that a person may have to pay and what deductions they will notice from their paycheck.

Company Expectations

One of the most essential categories within the hand book are the expectations of the company. This will help to guide behavior as well as to motivate the staff. It is freeing for employees when they know what they are working to achieve.

The main thought behind a well-developed employee handbook is that it should be communicative as well as well written. They ensure that employees are conversant with the expectations of the company, and the book should also be able to manage the employees effectively.