When you're an owner of a business, you want it to be successful. You
must ensure that everything involving your business runs smoothly,
whether it's the labor or the operations. For everything to run like
clockwork, your employees need to know what their jobs are and how
important fulfilling those tasks is. They also need to know the
regulations and rules to follow when at work so that your business runs
in harmony.
This is not as simple as telling them what they're
expected to do and not do and holding an orientation may not be enough.
After all, the human mind can forget things and your employees shouldn't
be expected to remember it all... especially on the first day.
It's
for these reasons that each business needs an employee manual/handbook.
Human resources personnel along with the employer can come up with an
employee manual. However, it's better to get the assistance of an
employment attorney. After all, he/she will know what rules and
regulations you are proposing to set forth will conflict with the labor
and employment laws.
If you're running a company, then speak with an experience employment lawyer.
Five Reasons Why You Need An Employee Manual
1
- Employers will clearly define that the employment connection is
at-will, giving the employee notice of what the scope, nature and
working relationship is. It helps to reduce or eliminate any wrongful
termination claims.
2 - Provisions to the system and/or manner of
submitting grievances along with any disciplinary procedure that give
employees the right venue to air out their concerns and enforce an
impartial ways to discipline delinquent employees.
3 -
Retaliation, harassment and discrimination policies help to protect the
employer from any legal liability if an employee files a lawsuit.
4
- Data on set payday, set work hours along with policies on holidays,
overtime, sick pay and vacation so the employer is not paying out unfair
wage claims.
5 - Employer can set specific code of conduct and
behavior for employees including dress code, absentee/tardiness and
provide employees with a guide on what they need to avoid so they don't
get fired.
The employee handbook or manual is an excellent place
to bring together employment and job-related information which employees
need to know. It can include holiday arrangements, company rules and
disciplinary and grievance procedures and other importance rules and
regulations to follow. It can also provide useful source of information
to new hired staff as part of the induction process. A written employee
manual gives clear advice to employees and creates a culture where
issues are dealt with fairly and consistently during the employment
period.