If you want to improve productivity, promote safety, and have better communication with your employees, creating an employee handbook is a great place to start.

What is an Employee Handbook?

An employee handbook is an informative document, typically given to new employees when they come to join your team. They usually include information like:

  • Details about your company, like a mission statement or outline of your core values
  • A job description of the employee’s role
  • Your expectations for the employee, such as dress code or goals specific to their role
  • Summaries of perks and benefits, like a 401(k) plan
  • Details of your company’s procedures and policies relating to health, safety, and workplace harassment

Employers are not legally required to offer employee handbooks to their new or existing employees. However, offering a cohesive employee handbook can have many benefits for you as an employer or supervisor.

Employee Handbooks Set Expectations

Employee handbooks can be an especially valuable tool for onboarding new employees. When someone is new to your company or a current employee moves to a more complex role, it can take time for them to learn all the ins-and-outs of their new role. If they are unfamiliar with the procedures and expectations, it can lead to slowdowns, performance and productivity issues, or even safety concerns. By offering an employee handbook, you can help get them up to speed on everything from their specific expectations to company-wide policies.

Employee Handbooks Promote Safety

Similarly, employee handbooks promote safety and wellness. By outlining your safety and health procedures and policies, you decrease the risks of workplace accidents and take steps to protect your business from complex liability issues. For example, if an employee needs a refresher on the steps they need to take before completing a task, they can consult the employee handbook and get the information they need to do it safely and efficiently.

Employee Handbooks Show Employees Who You Are

Finally, employee handbooks help employees understand your business’s values, mission, and culture. It’s a chance for you to show what sets your business or team apart from others, whether it’s a competitive retirement package or a unique company culture. Having an employee handbook also fosters a sense of belonging for new employees, as it helps them feel like they understand your company, your values, and their new role in it all.

To learn more about managing your business, please contact our team of HR professionals at Insured Solutions. For more information about Insured Solutions, contact us at info@insuredsolutions.net or 877-213-1999

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