WHY DOES MY COMPANY NEED AN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK?

Let's face it. Nobody likes reading an employee handbook. That's why most haven't. So why does it make sense to have one? Here are a few reasons. 

1. Setting Expectations: A well-drafted employee handbook helps clarify the nature of the employment relationship. It can establish what behavior is, and is not, acceptable. It can also make clear an employee's at-will status. This makes it more difficult for an employee to bring a claim for wrongful termination. Established policies can also make it more difficult to bring claims for fringe benefits upon termination.

2. Establish Procedures: An employee handbook is a guide to management to ensure that proper procedures are followed. For example, it is extremely important to conduct a thorough and full investigation after an allegation of discrimination or harassment. An employee handbook helps establish procedures for reporting and investigating such conduct so that employees are protected. Providing proper procedures also protects employers by ensuring that they are able to promptly take remedial action in order to limit liability.

3. Establishing Policies: When an employer faces a lawsuit, an employee handbook can be an important piece of evidence. The lack of a handbook, or a poorly drafted handbook, can help demonstrate negligence or worse. In short, it can be devastating. A well-drafted employee handbook can help establish for jurors and judges that an employer adhered to rules and procedures to prevent improper or illegal conduct.

These are just some of the reasons employers should take the time to ensure that they have a quality employee handbook. An employee handbook does not necessarily have to be cumbersome. But it should be comprehensive in order to ensure that state and federal laws are adhered to and recognized.