Why you need a handbook
What does a handbook do?
- Protects At-Will status
- Introduces employees to the organization’s culture
- Communicates what is expected of employees
- Educates employees on what to expect of the organization
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws
- Tells employees where they can go for help
- Helps defend against employee lawsuits
5 Mistakes often made in Handbooks
- Not prominently displaying an express disclaimer that the handbook is not intended to create a contract
- Not applying procedures and policies consistently for ALL employees, no matter whether exempt or non-exempt
- Not creating a policy against improper wage deductions and a procedure for employees to pursue corrections
- Not including policies on major legal requirements, such as FMLA and ADA
- Not keeping your handbook current and compliant with the latest laws, regulations, rulings, and opinions