Company Handbook

What is a Company Handbook?

A company handbook sometimes also known as an employee handbook or staff handbook, is a book given to staff by the employer. The company handbook usually contains information about company policies and procedures, it may also form part of a workers terms and conditions of employment.

In brief, then the company handbook explains what the employer expects from their employee and what that employee should expect in return.

Why use a Company Handbook:

As an employer, you’re legally obliged to inform each member of your staff about your employment policies and practices and their main terms of employment. A company handbook is a simple way for you to ensure you’re fulfilling this obligation.
Having a company handbook is an excellent way to bring together employment and job-related information which employees need to know, such as holiday arrangements, company rules and disciplinary and grievance procedures. The company handbook is also useful source of information to new staff as part of their induction process.
A well written company handbook gives clear advice to employees and creates a culture where issues are dealt with fairly and consistently .
A company handbook is valuable legal protection should an employee later challenge you in court.

Your Company Handbook should include:

General information:

Changes in Personal Details, Changes in Employment Terms, Employee Data, Employees terms, Holidays, Overtime, Probationary Period, Termination of Employment, Training, Wage/Salary Payments, Working Hours

Family policy:

Flexible Working, Parental Leave

Policy and procedure:

Absence, Appraisal, Company Property, Confidentiality, Disciplinary Procedure, Drugs and Alcohol Policy, Equal Opportunities, Grievance Procedure, Harassment and Bullying, Intellectual Property Rights, Internet and Email Use, Mobile Phones, Redundancy, Retirement, Right of Search, Security, Sickness Pay, Smoking Whistle Blowing.

Standards of Conduct:

Timekeeping, Personal Appearance, Consumer Care.

Health and safety:

Accident Reporting, Fire, First Aid, Personal Protective Equipment

Get your Company Handbook issue right

Within your Company Handbook it is extremely important you remember that new employees should be required to sign a form stating they have read and understood the information and accepted the terms of your company handbook.