Free Policy Samples, Forms, and Check Lists:
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Looking for ideas about the content of a comprehensive employee handbook? Here’s a list of the policies, procedures, and professional behavioral expectations found in many employee handbooks. This sample employee handbook table of contents also covers pay, benefits, performance expectations and legal issues.
Please do pick and choose for your own employee handbook and I'll work to continue to develop the content back-up and samples. When additional resources are available on the site about a particular employee handbook item, I have linked additional articles, policies, checklists, and forms.
As with any document you distribute to employees, you need to have your employee handbook reviewed by an employment law attorney. It is too easy to unconsciously create contracts that limit your ability to manage your workplace. You also want to manage your relationship with your employees legally, ethically, and by interacting consistently so you don’t create perceived favoritism. Additionally, the purpose of an employee handbook is to let employees know what is expected so they have the opportunity to perform effectively.
Official Disclaimer:
The private Web sites, and the information linked to both on and from this site, is opinion and information. Please note that Susan makes every effort to offer accurate, common-sense, ethical Human Resources management, employer, and workplace advice on this Web site, but she is not an attorney, and the content on the site is not to be construed as legal advice.
The site has a world-wide audience and employment laws and regulations vary from state to state and country to country, so the site cannot be definitive on all of them for your workplace. This information is not legal advice and is for guidance only. When in doubt, always seek legal counsel.
Sample Employee Handbook Contents
Overview and Employment Relationship
- Introduction and Purpose of the Handbook
- Welcome Message from the President/CEO
- Company History
- Company Vision
- Company Mission
- Company Values
- Company Overall Goals
- Company Commitment to Employees
- Code of Conduct and Business Ethics
- Employee and Employer Confidentiality
- Non-compete Agreement
- Employee Handbook Disclaimer
- Employment Relationship: At Will Employment
- Employee Signoff Signifying Receipt of the Handbook, the At-will Statement, and Employee Acknowledgement That He or She Understands and Will Abide by the Contents
General Employment Information
- Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (article)
- Accommodation for People With Disabilities (article)
- Employment Eligibility
- Internal Employee Application Process
- Promotions
- Employment of Relatives
- Rehiring Policy
- Open Door Policy
- Personnel File Policy
- Access to Personnel Records
- Harassment and Discrimination
- Harassment and Discrimination Reporting Procedure
- Harassment Investigation Process
- Office Romances
Attendance at Work
- Exempt and Non-exempt Employee Definitions
- Working Hours and Overtime
- Break and Lunch Periods
- Attendance Expectations and Policy
- Severe Weather and Emergency Closings
- Telecommuting Policy
Workplace Professionalism and Company Representation
- Work Dress Code
- Smoke Free Workplace
- Drugs and Alcohol: Drug Free Workplace
- Workplace Violence
- Weapons at Work
- Safety and Security
- Parking
- Workplace Visitors
- Conflicts of Interest
- Accepting and Giving Entertainment or Gifts
- Travel for Business Policy
- Mileage Reimbursement
Compensation and Benefits
Payroll Information
- Compensation Schedule
- Recording Time Worked
Benefits
- Benefits Eligibility
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Group Life Insurance Disability Insurance
- COBRA
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)
- 401(k) Plan
- Bonuses
- Workers' Compensation (article)
- Unemployment Compensation (article)
- Expense Reimbursement
- Educational Assistance (article)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Legal Aid
- Supplemental Insurance
- Stock Options
- Employee Discounts
- Retirement
Employee Time Off From Work
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Vacation
- Sick Leave
- Attendance Policy
- Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) (article)
- Bereavement Leave
- Jury Duty
- Military Leave (USERRA)
Use of Company Equipment and Electronics
- Telephone Use
- Cell Phone Policy
- Company Tools, Equipment and Supplies
- Computer and Internet Use Policy
- Blogging and Social Media Policy
Monitoring in the Workplace:
- Email, Computer, Voicemail, Internet and Telephone Usage
- Video Surveillance and Physical Searches
Performance Expectations and Evaluation
- Performance Development Planning and Feedback Process
- Employee Conduct and Performance
- Immediate Employment Termination (article)
- Progressive Discipline
- Conflict Resolution
- Complaint Procedure
- Employment Termination (article)
- Exit Interviews (sample questions)
- Return of Company Property
