An employee handbook is an essential tool that provides information about the organization. It is necessary for maintaining a positive culture and workplace within an organization. They provide easy and quick access to a company’s policies. Furthermore, there can be different naming conventions depending on the organization. For instance, some organizations call these handbooks a staff manual or employee guide.
What is An Employee Handbook?
It is a document or manual often given to the employees on their first day of joining the company. It gives them a detailed description of the company’s policies, vision, and code of conduct. It can prove to be beneficial for the employee to become a knowledgeable and successful employee of the organization. With that knowledge known to the employee, they can prevent employers from discriminating or making unfair decisions against them.
What Does It Include?
Specifically, the handbook contains a description of the following contents but is not limited to just these.
● The mission of the company
There is no point if the employee is not well informed about the company’s mission. Knowing the company’s line of business will increase the employee’s productivity by helping them devise a concise strategy.
● Policies for the employee
An employee handbook addresses policies made for the employee. These include the resignation process, attendance policy, process of getting a leave application, or short breaks. Additionally, it contains details on reimbursement procedures, safety policies, deductions on payroll, overtime, medical benefits, and some disciplinary rules.
● Dress code
Many organizations have strict policies on the attire of their employees. To maintain an air of professionalism, everything counts, and the dress code is one of them. For instance, an employee working in a lab with electricity must wear safety boots and gloves.
● Grievance policy of the company
Grievance policies are rules and regulations against unjustified acts, discrimination, and bullying. Companies make these policies to ensure equal rights for employees. An employee facing these issues can take legal action by knowing the procedure meant to be taken.
● Rules for using the company’s assets
Depending on the type of designation and work, employees often need to use the company’s assets. Assets could be anything, including tools, vehicles, electronic gadgets, etc. It includes the procedure required to use the property of the company.
● Information for human resources (HR)
It refers to rules and regulations essential for the HR department to execute a fair and smooth hiring process. It also includes HR-specific forms like the evaluation, referral, requisition forms, and on-boarding procedures.
● Conduct policies
These include policies related to harassment, discrimination, use of alcohol or cigarettes, and any unfair acts disturbing the company’s culture.
Final Thoughts
Many organizations have the policy to create an employee handbook containing the company’s core values and policies. It is a guidebook for an employee that helps him learn how processes occur within the organization. It ensures that every employee gets equal rights. Different policies regarding bullying, unfair acts, discrimination, and harassment, along with many other details, are listed to make the employee well informed.
