Not only are employee handbooks vital to any business, they are delicate documents. They must cover a lot of territory — and there is no one-size-fits-all.
But all employee handbooks should start with the basics. Attorney and general contractor Nick Spirtos provides a list of essential information and policies to include to help your company maintain best practices and achieve solid results.
Workplace rules and schedules
How to clock in to work
Rule against working off the clock
Attendance expectations
Dress code
Breaks
Pay structure and expectations
Bonuses
Process for granting promotions
Exempt vs. non-exempt status
Equal employment, nondiscrimination and sexual harassment policies
Leave benefits — including paid and unpaid
Anti-retaliation laws
Employment at will status
Termination procedures
Confidentiality protection
Insurance and benefits
Worker’s compensation
Overtime benefits and rules
Vacation, holiday and paid time off
Voting, jury duty, and court witness leave
Rules for workplace safety
Injury and illness prevention plan
Requirements for using company vehicles and other property
Substance abuse