{"id":4722,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/guide-to-creating-employee-handbooks.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T05:07:37","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T10:07:37","slug":"guide-to-creating-employee-handbooks","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/guide-to-creating-employee-handbooks.html","title":{"rendered":"Guide To Creating Employee Handbooks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Guide To Creating Employing Handbooks<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Small business owners may think they don’t need an employee handbook. In a small company, it’s easy for workers to explain the company policies to new employees. However, your employee handbook does more than tell new hires the pay rate and when your vacation days are. A good handbook describes the company’s culture and vision.<\/p>\r\n

Your employee manual also outlines federal and state laws that protect your workers’ rights. An employee handbook should explain workers’ compensation, workplace safety laws, and anti-discrimination laws. Your handbook fulfills your responsibilities as an employer and limits your liability in the event of future lawsuits.<\/p>\r\n

Some regulations apply to all businesses, and you must tell your employees about them. Having them in your handbook means all workers follow the same rules and policies.<\/p>\r\n

Legal Requirements for Your Handbook<\/h2>\r\n

Your employee handbook may restate or expand terms used in your employment contract, but it should include a clause stating it is not a contract. Your handbook explains your policies in general terms, but each employee needs their own contract.<\/p>\r\n

Your handbook must include other important information depending on your state and business size.<\/p>\r\n