Employee Handbook: Table of Contents

This serves as a quick content index for readers. It also provides a quick audit for an HR expert to check for missing key items.

I strongly recommend starting with a Company Overview done in very positive terms. This is the perfect place for a Mission Statement (why the company exists and what it does) and Core Values (what the company holds important.)

It is good to start off upbeat because the very next section is an Introduction which includes all kinds of harsh sounding disclaimers for which you have to get expert HR help.

Then I would include a review of Employee Benefits. That's always fun.

Then comes the heart of the Handbook, Human Resources Policies and Procedures (or Guidelines and Practices if you're a Northern California company.)

Next is a review of applicable Federal and State labor laws. It is pre-emptive to have this because employees have vague and often inaccurate ideas of what the laws are. Better to get everyone on the same frequency from the get go.

Lastly is the Receipt and Acknowledgement signed by the employee. This critical element documents receipt of the Handbook by the employee and their acknowledgement that they have read and understand the contents. This document is placed in their employee file.


Lance