A business should have an employee handbook. It explains the company’s vision, mission and values. The employee handbook provides a roadmap of where the company is going, and the actions it will take to get there. The manual communicates what is expected of a worker, and what he should expect from the employer. There are many topics that a company should include in its employee handbook. I will discuss a few below.
At-Will Employment
It is very important for the employer to include an at-will statement in the employee handbook. It informs the employee that he does not have any rights to employment. In an at-will position, an employer can terminate an employee with or without notice or cause. Also, an employee can leave his positon with or without notice or cause.
Anti-Discrimination
All employers should include an anti-discrimination policy in its employee handbook. It expresses that the company takes a stand against discrimination, and the employer will take measures to prevent and correct illegal behavior. The anti-discrimination policy should indicate how an employee should notify the company about discriminatory behavior. It should explain that the employer will take action against anyone involved in discriminating against another person.
Anti-Harassment
It is imperative that the employer include an anti-harassment policy in the employee handbook. An anti-harassment policy shows that the company is committed to maintaining a safe workplace, and it will take measures to prevent bad behavior. The company should define the actions that constitute harassment. The policy should indicate how an employee should notify the company about harassing behavior. The policy should explain how the employer will take action against anyone involved in harassment.
Progressive Discipline
The employee handbook should contain a progressive discipline policy. It informs all employees of the actions that the company will take to correct bad behavior. The policy should explain the progression of disciplinary steps that an employer will take when an employee breaks the company rules. The employer should indicate that it has the right to skip steps due to the severity of the employee’s actions. Most importantly, the company must consistently follow the policy.
Confidentiality
The employee handbook should include a confidentiality policy where the employee agrees to keep company information, such as intellectual property, trade secrets and proprietary details private, and not disclose them while he is employed. The worker may have to keep company information confidential for a while after he leaves as well.
Conclusion
All employers should have an employee handbook. They explain a company’s vision, and provides a roadmap of where the business is going. Some of the topics the employee handbook should cover are at-will employment, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, progressive discipline and confidentiality.
