Is it Time to Update or Create Your Employee Handbook?
The new year is fast approaching and with that comes a slew of new labor laws. It’s always a great time to review and update your Employee handbook. Although it may seem unnecessary for many small businesses, or maybe just too seems much of a challenge (or expense) to update (or create) one, now more than ever, an employee handbook is a critical part of managing a workforce. Whether you have 2 or 200 employees, its critical to have this peice of your HR platform in place.
Here’s a couple thoughts to ask yourself.
- What policies do you communicate to your employees? Dress Code? Vacation? Business Expense Reimbursement? Vacation?
- Where are there weaknesses in your employment policies that have opened the door to problems recently?
- Do your employees understand how to file harassment complaints, or do they know how their sick pay is calculated?
- Are you prepared to leave critical company policies up for interpretation should a problem ever come before a labor board, attorney or judge?
Leaving these items in ambiguity is a sure guarantee of future misinterpretations.
Let’s look at 4 very clear reasons why you as an employer should make updating, or creating and distributing an employee handbook a top priority for 2018:
Identifies your Company Culture and Mission
Prospective and Current employees need to know about your company, what it stands for and how they fit into the organization. Your handbook should not only detail your policies but it should also identify who you are, where you came from, and what your values are. Make sure your mission and vision is clearly visible and accurately reflected in your handbook.
Sets Standards and Expectations
An employee handbook sets the foundation for the employment relationship and tells employees what their responsibilities are. It should advise employees how to request time off, when and to whom they should report unscheduled absences, what to do in case of injury and how to report their hours worked.
Clarifies Company Policy
Policies are only as good as the paper they are written on and the consistency in how they are practiced. Creating effective and workable polies with regards to vacation, holidays, conduct, benefits, dress code, etc., you create the framework for the employment relationship and communicate how employees should conduct themselves while working at your place of business.
Helps you Comply with State and Federal Labor Law
No matter how many employees you have, there are State and Federal Labor laws you must comply with and communicate to your employees. The employee hand book should be the groundwork for communication of those laws that affect your business and your employees.
The more information employees have, the more effective they will be in following your workplace standards. If we can asisst you with updating or creating a 2018 Employee Handbook, please don’t hesiotate to contact our experts today.