Employee Handbook Outline Template

Building an Employee Handbook and Not Sure Where to Start?

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Use this free employee handbook outline template to pick and choose the sections and policies most relevant to your company, and start building a better company culture today.

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When you create an intentional employee handbook, you:

Introduce new employees to the company's culture, mission, and values
Communicate key company policies and benefits to set realistic employee and employer expectations
Establish an at-will employment policy
Help defend the company against employee claims and lawsuits
Establish an open-door policy and conflict resolution procedure
Ensure compliance with federal and state laws

Employee Handbook Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is an employee handbook?

An employee handbook is a document that outlines company policies, procedures, and culture. It includes information about employee rights and benefits, and clearly establishes expectations for the employer-employee relationship, employee behavior, and how company policies will be enforced.

Are employers required to provide an employee handbook?

No, there aren’t any laws that require businesses to have an employee handbook. However, some states do require companies to provide employees with specific written policies.

What should be included in an employee handbook?

The company's history, vision, mission statement, and core values
At-will statement
Code of conduct and company policies
Working hours, dress code, and facility information
Wage and overtime information
Privacy and security information
Federal and state mandates impacting employees
Benefits for full- and part-time employees
Time off and leave of absence policies
Resignation and termination processes
Acknowledgment of receipt