Employee handbooks are critical tools for the success of any organization. They can help prevent conflicts and misunderstandings between employees, demonstrate to employees your organization’s values and expectations, provide guidelines for employee conduct, and much more.
The employee handbook is used to ensure that the company’s policies and procedures are being followed by employees. It is a living document, with new policies being added as time goes on and old policies being updated to reflect recent changes in the workforce. When creating the employee handbook, it is important to consider the specific needs of the employees.
Here are a few topics to include in the employee handbook:
Remote and Hybrid Work Policies
All organizations must operate in a way that’s supportive of their employees. If a company offers remote or hybrid working arrangements, it is important to formalize the policies that support employees in those arrangements. Policies must be clear, and employees must have a way to contact their employers when they need to.
Equal Employment and Anti-Harassment
For years, employers have been told to put anti-harassment policies in place to protect their workers and to prevent them from being harassed by a coworker. Sadly, many organizations have been criticized for being lax in their monitoring of workplace harassment, causing workers to feel intimidated and discouraged. Employers must be proactive to prevent harassment.
Family Medical Leave Act
One of the most important laws that protect the employees is the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This important law states that employees can take unpaid leave for certain events, like illness, or the birth or adoption of a child, without fear of losing their job. If a worker needs to take paid or unpaid leave, they can refer to the handbook for detailed instructions.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that is charged with protecting workers from work-related hazards. Present the safety policies in the handbook for the safety of employees.
Covid-19 Policies
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all enterprises and their work environment. The organizations need to create policies concerning social distancing, vaccinations, staggered work schedules, and symptom checking.
Final Words
An employer can reduce its liability and improve employee relations by providing employees with a comprehensive employee handbook. The handbook should be reviewed with new employees as part of the new-hire orientation and should be kept up-to-date as the company’s policies change. Even though the employee handbook is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for the establishment to have it.
Attend the Compliance Prime webinar to know more about the employee handbook.
