Why Is It Important to Have an Employee Handbook?

An employee handbook can be a valuable communication resource for both the employer and the employee. It can be crucial for achieving optimal workplace conditions and advancing your organization’s mission. This resource can be integral to maintaining the safety of your employees and workplace.

What Is an Employee Handbook?

Employee handbooks include your organization’s official policies, procedures and expectations. It should be distributed to all new hires and readily available to employees anytime. Your organization should provide employee handbooks in hard copy or electronic forms. Get documentation confirming employees have received and reviewed its contents.

Why Are Employee Handbooks Important?

The importance of employee handbooks transcends industry lines. With proper implementation and regular reassessment, organizations of all sizes and sectors can enjoy many benefits from having these resources in place, such as the following:

1. Optimal onboarding—Employees receiving company handbooks immediately upon being hired can get a jump-start on learning about their new employer, including its values, goals and culture. This may also help new hires acclimate to the workplace and foster a sense of inclusion.

2. Clear communication of expectations—Your employee handbook should include detailed information regarding behavioral expectations and performance guidelines. This may consist of information about dress code, use of electronic devices, timekeeping and potential disciplinary measures. a group of people sitting at a table using a laptop

a group of people sitting at a table using a laptop

3. Consistency—By formally documenting rules, expectations, policies and procedures, your employee handbook can help ensure that performance reviews, incident responses and other actions are carried out fairly and consistently.

4. An introduction to benefits—Employee benefits have become a crucial part of overall compensation for your workers, but these programs may be underutilized if not fully understood. Your handbook can help introduce workers to their options and serve as reference material for those attempting to review or reassess their elections.

5. Compliance assurance—Your organization may be subject to various state and federal laws, as well as industry regulations and requirements. Employee handbooks can provide workers with valuable information on these topics and help ensure any shortcomings are swiftly reported and rectified.

6. Ideal workplace support—Employee handbooks should include information about who employees should contact if they have questions or concerns, or need to report a workplace incident.

7. Defense against lawsuits—If an employee sues your organization for allegedly miscommunicating employment expectations or workplace practices, an employee handbook may aid your defense by proving the accuser was provided with the information.

We’re Here to Help

With extensive experience in optimizing employee benefits and workplace functions, the dedicated staff at Beckworth Beneficial are well-equipped to help your organization implement and maintain its employee handbook. Visit our website or call 559-389-5837 to get started today.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.

Why Is It Important to Have an Employee Handbook?

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