Staff Handbook

A staff handbook is a valuable tool for businesses, regardless of their size or industry. It sets out the minimum requirements within your business, so your employees know what is expected of them.

A staff handbook is important for many reasons:

• Introduces new starters to company culture;

• Acts as a central store of all company policies;

• Sets expectations for all employees;

• Clarifies procedures;

• Outlines the code of conduct; and

• Provides legal protection against potential disputes.

A staff handbook is an essential tool for fostering a positive workplace culture, facilitating communication, and protecting both the company and its employees.

Your staff handbook should be tailored to suit the unique requirements of your business and industry.

It typically covers a wide range of topics such as:

• Introduction to the company: a brief history, mission, vision, and values of the organisation.

• Employment policies: information about hiring practices, probationary periods, job classifications and employee records.

• Compensation and benefits: details about salary, overtime, bonuses, raises, benefits like health insurance, vacation, and sick leave.

• Work hours, breaks and attendance: expectations about working hours, punctuality, breaks, and attendance.

• Conduct and behaviour: standards of conduct, dress code, and other behaviour-related policies.

• Safety and security: information on workplace safety, reporting accidents, and emergency procedures.

• Use of company property: guidelines on using company equipment, vehicles, computers, and other assets.

• Communication and technology: polices related to email, internet use, social media, and other forms of communication.

• Leave policies: information on various types of leaves such as annual, parental, and unpaid leave.

• Performance reviews: information about performance evaluation criteria, frequency, and processes.

• Training and development: opportunities and expectations about ongoing employee development.

• Grievance and disciplinary procedures: how complaints, disputes, and disciplinary issues are handled.

• Termination of employment: procedures and reasons for termination, notice periods, and other related information.

The handbook is a useful orientation tool for new employees and a reference guide for current employees. It also providers employers with a means to ensure that all employees have a clear understanding of company expectations and can help to mitigate potential legal disputes by clearly communicating company policies.

A staff handbook lays an important foundation for employee interactions with a business. A professional staff handbook is important as:

• First impressions matter: a well-structured and comprehensive handbook introduces your company in the best light, setting the tone for new employees.

• Consistency is key: a handbook ensures that all team members, regardless of department or seniority are on the same page, literally and metaphorically.

• Legal safeguard: beyond just introducing your company’s culture, a proper staff handbook also provides legal protection when it clearly outlines rights, responsibilities, and procedures.

We can assist in preparing all your workplace policies and documents, including your staff handbook. Get in contact today and let us craft a handbook that not only ticks all the legal boxes but also resonates with your team, reinforcing the values and vision that make your company unique.