With no handbook, it becomes very difficult for employer’s to effectively communicate what the expectations are from everyone. A handbook helps to promote consistency and transparency in employment standards, enforces policies and procedures, reduces employee misconduct, and demonstrates a commitment to equal treatment of employees.

Here are more reasons for employers to consider implementing a handbook;

Promotes consistency & transparency

Open communication and information is key to a positive work environment. The handbook promotes this by informing all staff of the company’s mission, purpose, and core values and sets the stage for what they need to know about their employment, rights, and work environment.

Enforces Expectations

Defining Employee conduct and expectations in the workplace is critical for employees for the purposes of conforming to the company’s culture, how to conduct themselves, what is expected of them, and all other expectations to do with their employment.

Reduces employee misconduct

Outlining all policies and procedures for both employer and employee can greatly reduce confusion and disagreements. Clearly communicated and consistently enforced policies for misconduct support the company’s steps and procedures for disciplinary action up to and including termination. If employees learn these policies upon hire, it may be more likely that they act appropriately.

Demonstrates a commitment to equal treatment & safety of employees

Equal treatment refers to the legal protection all employees have to the same rights as any other employee. A good handbook will include legislated rights and other fair employment practices, including critical information such as AODA, Anti-Violence, Harassment & Sexual Harassment, and Health & Safety policies and procedures to keep employees safe.

Litigation Protection & Sign-Off

A well-drafted handbook is a source of legal protection for an organization by setting clear expectations and standards that employees must comply with. For this reason, make sure an expert reviews the handbook’s wording, and have everyone sign off on these policies.

Benefits are explained and utilized

Highlighting the positives will encourage loyalty and enthusiasm in the workplace. A solid benefits package is very enticing to employees and their families, but if employees are unaware of what’s offered, they could be underutilizing what’s important to them. It’s also beneficial to include any company perks that sets the company apart from others as a great place to work.

Conclusion

A good employee handbook acts as a valuable communication tool for employers and serves as a reference guide for all. Most importantly, it helps to protects employers and employees.

When developing a new employee handbook it is essential to confirm whether the policies comply with employment standards laws of each jurisdiction in which it will be used.

Lastly, employers should make the handbook accessible to all employees. This can be done on the company’s intranet, a portal, or company computer.

We recommend reviewing your employee handbook on a semi-annual basis to ensure it accurately reflects the reality of your organization and addresses changing laws and regulations. It is also important to advise employees to any policy updates or new policies added during the revision process.

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