What are the 7 typical employee handbook categories?

The 7 typical employee handbook categories include employee handbook overview, company values, code of conduct, anti-discrimination, time off, termination and resignation, and employee acknowledgment.

How do I make an employee handbook?

To make an employee handbook, compile all of the information you need your employees to know and uphold. Next, take this information and plug it into this free and easy-to-use employee handbook template.

What should be in a 2022 employee handbook?

You should include a statement on company values, time off procedures, code of conduct, as well as anti-discrimination policies in a 2022 employee handbook.

What should you not include in an employee handbook?

Do not include variable information such as pay rates and benefits in the employee handbook. This is because the handbook is meant for every employee. Depending on the position, employees may receive different pay rates and benefits. Plus, specific benefit allowances can often change. This is why you should not include these items in the employee handbook.

Are companies required to have an employee handbook?

No, companies are not required to have an employee handbook. However, having an employee handbook on hand is good practice because it informs employees and management on standards the employees should uphold while working for the organization.

Employee Handbook Template

Prepared by:

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]

[Sender.Company]

Prepared for:

[Employee.FirstName][Employee.LastName]

[Employee.Company]

Employee Handbook Overview

The purpose of this employee handbook is to notify the employee of [Sender.Company]'s policies and procedures, including but not limited to the organization's values, code of conduct, time off allowances, and resignation and termination policies.

The employee is aware that policies and procedures in this employee handbook may be updated at the company's sole discretion. The employee will be notified about any such changes prior to them taking effect.

Company Values

[Sender.Company] adheres to the following company values: honesty, respect, accountability, kindness, and diligence to get the job done. All employees of [Sender.Company] agree to uphold these values across the organization while conducting work with other employees or third parties and while on company property.

Code of Conduct

All employees of [Sender.Company] agree to act respectfully and prioritize safety while on the job and conducting themselves with other employees.

Regarding workplace safety, employees must follow all position-specific health and safety requirements as outlined in the standard operating procedures (SOPs). All employees must come to work in a clean, presentable manner without any open wounds or communicable diseases.

The [Sender.Company] grounds are a smoke and drug-free environment. Any tobacco, alcohol, or illicit substance found on company property will immediately be reported and disposed of. Any employee who is found using any of the aforementioned substances on company property will face disciplinary action, potentially including termination.

[Sender.Company] will not tolerate any act of harassment or violence toward a customer or another employee. Harassment is defined as any aggressive or intimidating actions or verbal threats made toward another person.

Anti-Discrimination

[Sender.Company] is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees based on sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or genetic information.

[Sender.Company] has a strict anti-discrimination policy. No [Sender.Company] employee may discriminate or otherwise show disrespectful behavior toward another employee. If this conduct occurs and there is a connection to the behavior based on the employee's identity, including but not limited to discrimination based on sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disabled status, the offending employee will be placed immediately on temporary leave. An internal investigation will be conducted, and the offending employee may be terminated based on the findings of the investigation.

Paid Time Off

[Sender.Company] allows time off for all employees. Some time off is reserved for full-time employees.

All employees will be provided (Insert number) hours of sick leave at the beginning of the year. To use sick time, the employee must notify their direct manager of their absence at least three hours prior to their shift starting.

In addition, all employees will receive the following U.S. holidays off:

New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Day

[Sender.Company] full-time employees shall receive (Insert number) earned hours of paid time off per pay period up to a maximum of (Insert number) of hours per year.

Termination and Resignation

The employee agrees that employment with [Sender.Company] is through mutual consent. Both the employee and [Sender.Company] may terminate employment at will, with or without cause.

A [Sender.Company] employee may be terminated based on a violation of this Employee Handbook or other position-specific policies and procedures.

If an employee chooses to resign, the employee agrees to give [Sender.Company] a minimum (Insert number) weeks' notice prior to departing. Upon resignation, the former employee must return any company-provided equipment as well as both digital and physical copies of intellectual property.

Employee Acknowledgement

I [Employee.FirstName] [Employee.LastName] acknowledge that I have received and read the [Sender.Company] employee handbook. I pledge to uphold all components of the employee handbook. I understand any violation of the tenets of the [Sender.Company] employee handbook may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to temporary suspension or termination.