What is an employee handbook?

An employee handbook serves as a crucial document within an organization, as it comprehensively outlines company policies, procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of employees. This includes important information such as codes of conduct, attendance policies, benefits, and workplace rules, which help employees understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from the organization in return.

The handbook acts as a reference guide to promote consistency in how policies are applied across the organization, thereby supporting fairness and transparency in the workplace. It also plays a vital role in onboarding new employees by providing them with essential knowledge about the company culture and operational framework. By clearly stating these policies and procedures, the handbook helps mitigate misunderstandings and can serve as a resource for addressing issues or conflicts that may arise during employment.

Ensuring that employees have access to this document is also important from a legal standpoint, as it can help protect the employer by demonstrating that employees were informed of their rights and responsibilities.