What is an Employee Handbook?

It is one of the most important documents designed for employees. It outlines and communicates a company’s culture, policies and expectations relating to behavior and performance in the workplace.

If written well, an employee handbook can be used as an induction tool which clarifies the rights and responsibilities of both the employer and employees.

How can we help you?

Talk to us today and our employment team will provide you with expert legal advice about the following:

Employer’s rights and obligations;
Employee’s rights and obligations;
What is an employee handbook;
What to include in your employee handbook;
Drafting and employee handbook to suit your needs;
Updating your employee handbook; and
Workplace health and safety.

What to include in your employee handbook?

Ultimately, structure and content of the employee handbook is a matter for employers. However, please bear in mind that every employee is an individual with a different background and experience. The employee handbook should be clear on a company’s culture, policies and expectations, to get everybody on the same page.

To attract employees, the employee handbook should not only set company rules, it is desirable that it explains why those policies are in place, and what the company’s vision and core values are.

In summary, here are some ideas of what to address in your handbook:

Welcome note;
Employer’s culture, vision and core values;
Code of conduct;
Workplace policies and procedures;
Hours of work, absence and leave;
Performance, training, and development;
Disciplinary procedures; and
Resignation and termination of employment.

Updating your employee handbook?

From time to time, your employee handbook will require an update. This could be due to internal changes in the company or due to changes in law. Therefore, we recommend including a provision in the employees’ contract that the employee handbook does not form part of the contract. That way, employers would be entitled to amend the policy at any time.

The handbook should be amended whenever required and any change should be clearly communicated to the employees.

What else can we help you with?

Contact our team today to discuss how we can best help you. Elringtons will provide you with expert legal support in all areas of employment, for further information see: