Big companies have employee manuals that teach their workers about the policies and other legal matters. It is up to you if you think your business should have an employee manual, but it can help to have consistency for business policies.
When you get your manual written up, you should have it examined by a lawyer to be sure it is compliant with all laws. You may also want a page written up that employees must sign to say they have read and understand all polices in their manual.
Here is an outline of some items you can include in your manual. Use it as a guide to help put in what you need for yours.
1. Welcome page
2. The purpose of the manual
3. Business mission statement
4. History of the company
5. Responsibilities of employees and a code of conduct
6. Disciplinary rules
7. Rules for attendance and punctuality
8. Time card information
9. Information on work hours, break time, and lunch breaks
10. Policy information for overtime
11. Payday information
12. Any information on payroll deductions
13. Information on wage increases and reviews in performance
14. Promotion information
15. Details about resignations and terminations
16. Telephone use information
17. An overview of the benefits that includes: medical, dental, vision, assistance for employees, vacation, sick time, reimbursement for tuition, life insurance, disability benefits, employee discounts, bonuses for employee referrals, and rewards for years of service.
18. Information on leave of absence can include: sickness, family leave, funeral, disability, jury duty, military, maternity, and unpaid leave.19. Any emergency procedures
20. Finally a summary and acknowledgment of what has been read and the understanding of it.
It is important to maintain your manual by keeping it current. Go over it each year and make changes when needed. Give each employee a copy of this manual.
