An employee handbook is a short, plain guide to how the company works: what is expected of employees, their rights, and who handles what. It is built on the company's policies and approved regulations and does not replace them, and every employee signs for it on day one.
Step by step
- 1
Start with the company
The vision and values in practical words, a short outline of the structure, and how to reach HR.
- 2
Working hours and attendance
Working hours, lateness and absence, permissions, and leave and how to request it.
- 3
Pay and benefits
When salaries are paid and what they include, allowances and benefits, and when salaries are reviewed.
- 4
Conduct and performance
Rules of conduct, confidentiality and conflicts of interest, the appraisal cycle, violations and how to complain.
- 5
Link to the official sources
Point each topic to the approved policy or regulation that governs it, so the handbook never contradicts them.
- 6
Sign-off and updates
The employee signs for receipt, the handbook carries a version number and date, and it is reviewed yearly or when the law changes.
A long handbook in legal language is read by no one. Write it for quick understanding, and leave the legal detail to the regulations and policies.
- employee handbook template
- how to make a staff policy booklet