Services - > Employee handbook Development and Preparation

What is an employee handbook?

An employee handbook is a very effective way of addressing concerns or questions your employees may have.

And with all the facts at hand, your employees can promote the business in the general community, spreading the word that it's a good place to work. Chances are you'll subsequently attract a higher caliber of applicants for job vacancies as well as having a happy and therefore productive workforce.

Along with saving you time, employee handbooks can also:

1. Improve employee morale
2. Prevent disagreements
3. Keep the company out of court

Why write an employee handbook?

Perhaps the most important reason to create a handbook is to document expectations as an employer. Most employees want to be successful; they are eager to know what is expected of them and how they can improve.

A good handbook will describe expected performance and how to the employee can progress in your organisation through the knowledge of what is expected of them, in addition to clarifying the employer's expectations regarding areas such as work hours, dress, standards of conduct, health and safety obligations, termination and sick leave etc.

The process of creating a handbook also helps employers improve their leadership, first by thinking through which policies are useful and practical in their specific operation. Then after concrete policies are established, employers can better manage employees because objectives for each position have been examined, benefits have been considered and perhaps retooled, and personnel policies are in place before contentious issues arise. This process can also buy you valuable legal protection if an employee later challenges you in court.

How can HealthForce help you?

• HealthForce will assess your organisation to identify the key components which are to be included in your handbook.
• Provide assistance in enabling employers to make decisions regarding specifies of these issues and what the expectations are, in line with current legal standards etc
• Advise on compliance with Disability Discrimination
• Advise on compliance with Working Time Legislation, Health and Safety legislation etc
• Assist and support the employer with drafting and implementation of the employee handbook or revision of a current handbook which may exist in the organisation

What are the benefits of having an Employee Handbook?

• Avoid mistakes which could cost employer financially
• Reduces risk of litigation regarding employment issues
• Provide baseline information to the employee on the organisations expectations