Employee Handbook Sample:

Below, we have created an employee handbook template that you can use in its entirety. You can also cut
and paste the sections that are most relevant to your company and create a customized version. The bold
sections in square brackets need to be updated and replaced with your own wording as needed.

1. Introduction:

Welcome to [Company Name]! We’re glad to have you here. We’ve been in business since [year] and
since that time have developed the philosophy that [company philosophy]. Our overriding goal is [your
company’s main goal]. Our mission is [mission statement].

If you’re reading this, we think you’re a good fit for helping us fulfill our mission and achieve our goals.

1.1 Changes in the policy.

This handbook replaces previous employee handbooks, memos, and manuals. We reserve the right to
interpret, cancel, change, suspend, or dispute, with or without notice, all or any part of these policies,
procedures, and benefits at any point. Employees will be notified of changes.

Changes take effect on dates determined by the Company. After changes take effect, previous policies are
void. Individual managers and supervisors cannot change policies.

1.2 Employment applications.

We rely on the accuracy of employment application information and any other data candidates provide
during the hiring process.

Falsifications, misrepresentations, or material omissions may result in the exclusion of the candidate from
consideration for employment. If the candidate has been hired, termination of employment may be
considered.

1.3 Employment relationship.

You enter into this employment voluntarily and are free to resign at any time for any reason or no reason.
Likewise, [Company Name] is free to conclude its relationship with any employee at any time for any
reason or no reason. Following a probationary period, the Employment Termination Policy in Section 3.4 is
applicable.

2. Definitions of Employee Status:

An “employee” of [Company Name] is a person who regularly works for [Company Name] on a wage or
salary basis. “Employees” may include exempt, nonexempt, temporary, regular full-time, regular part-time
employees, and other employees who are subject to the control and supervision of [Company Name] in the
performance of their duties.

3. Employment Policies:
3.1 New employee orientation.

Human resources provide an orientation for new employees. This includes an overview of the company's
history, and an explanation of the company's vision, mission, values, goals, and objectives. Orientation also
includes an explanation of tax and legal issues, benefits, and help completing necessary paperwork.

Employees are presented with codes, keys, procedures, and secret handshakes needed to access their
workspace. Supervisors introduce new hires to staff, explain company evaluation procedures, review
position scope, and job description, and help them start working.

3.2 Nondisclosure and confidentiality agreement.

Protecting trade secrets and confidential business information is essential to the success of [Company
Name].

Such confidential information includes (but is not limited to): pending projects and proposals, proprietary
production processes, compensation data, personnel/payroll records, financial information, marketing
strategies, and conversations with people associated with the company.

As a condition of employment, employees must sign a nondisclosure agreement. Employees improperly

disclosing or using confidential business information or trade secrets are subject to disciplinary action,
including termination and legal action, even if the disclosure does not benefit them.

3.3 Nondiscrimination.

[Company Name] does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices because of race, sex,
national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, or disability. We make reasonable accommodations for qualified
individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.

3.4 New employee probationary period.

The probationary period for regular employees is [x] days from the hire date. This is a time for management
to evaluate new employees, and for new employees to evaluate the company.

During the probationary period, the company and the employee can terminate employment without notice.
Upon completion of the probationary period, a review will be conducted and benefits will begin as
appropriate.

3.5 Work hours.

[Company Name] is open from [x a.m. to x p.m.] from [day of week] to [day of week], except for
holidays (see Section 6.7, Holidays). The standard workweek is [x] hours (see Section 4.3, Overtime).

For calculating employee benefits, the workweek begins on [day and time] through [day and time], unless
a supervisor makes other arrangements with the employee.

3.6 Lunch periods.

Employees receive a [length of time] break for lunch. Lunch breaks are generally taken between the hours
of [insert times].

3.7 Break periods.

[Company Name] allows breaks during the following times: [insert times]. If employees have unexpected
personal business to take care of, they must notify their direct supervisor to discuss time away from work
and make provisions as necessary. [Alternatively: [Company Name] does not allow breaks except
during the lunch period.]

3.8 Emergency closings.

Emergencies, including fires, severe weather, or power failures, can disrupt company operations. Executive
staff members will make the decision to close if needed. Employees will receive an official notification
from their supervisors if the company is closed due to an emergency.

3.9 Employee personnel files.

Employee personnel files should include their [insert appropriate documents, such as the job
application, job description, resume, records of training, salary history, records of disciplinary
action, and/or documents related to employee performance reviews, coaching, and mentoring].

Personnel files are [Company Name]'s property. Access to information they contain is restricted.
Management personnel of [Company Name] who have a legitimate reason to review the file are allowed
to. To review their own files employees should contact their supervisor or Human Resources
Representative.

With reasonable notice, employees may review their personnel file in the company’s office and in the
presence of their supervisor or Human Resources Representative.

3.10 Personnel data changes.

Employees are responsible for notifying their supervisor or [Company Name]'s Human Resources
Department of changes such as mailing address, telephone number, name, number of dependents, and
emergency contacts. An employee’s personal data should be accurate and current at all times.

3.11 Performance review.

Supervisors conduct formal performance reviews every [x months]. Informal performance reviews may be
conducted more often.

Performance reviews are for employees and supervisors to talk about current tasks and discuss ideas for
meeting work goals. Performance is directly tied to wage and salary increases. Performance reviews will
have a direct effect on your compensation.

3.12 Outside employment policy.

 Employees may hold outside jobs in unrelated businesses or professions as long as there is no conflict of
interest, performance standards, and scheduling demands are met, and [Company Name] resources are not
used for outside employment.

3.13 Disciplinary action.

[Company Name] holds each of its employees to its rules and standards of ethical conduct (see Section
5). [Company Name] expects the employee’s supervisor to take action when employees deviate from
them.

Though [Company Name] usually takes a progressive approach to discipline, some actions are grounds for
immediate employment termination.

These include but are not limited to:

 Unauthorized access to company property outside of business hours.

 Using company equipment and/or company vehicles without authorization.
 Theft.
 Insubordination.
 Vandalism or destruction of company property.
 Misrepresentations of [Company Name] to a customer, a prospective customer, the general public,
or an employee.
 Sharing company business practices.

3.14 Employment termination.

Terminations are part of personnel activity at any company.

Examples and definitions of common termination types:

 Termination: employment termination initiated by [Company Name].

 Layoff: employment termination initiated by [Company Name] for non-disciplinary reasons.
 Resignation: employment termination initiated by an employee.

Exempt employees shall give at least [x weeks'] written notice. Since employment with [Company
Name] is based on mutual consent, both the employee and [Company Name] have the right to terminate
employment at will, with or without cause during the introductory/probationary period for new employees
(See Section 3.1, Introductory/Probationary Period for New Employees).

When a nonexempt employee intends to terminate their employment with [Company Name], they shall
give [Company Name] at least [x weeks'] written notice.

Employees who terminate employment with [Company Name] shall return company property. No final
employee payment will be made until all items are returned in appropriate condition. The cost of replacing
unreturned items is deducted from the employee’s final pay.
 Any outstanding financial obligations owed to [Company Name] will also be deducted from the
employee’s final pay.

Benefits are affected by employment termination in the following manner:

[Company Name] will pay accrued vested benefits due and payable at termination. Some benefits may be
continued at employee expense (See Section 4, Benefits). The employee will be informed of benefits that
may be continued and how to do so.

3.15 Work safety.

[Company Name] provides information to employees about health issues and workplace safety through:

 Training sessions.
 Meetings.
 Bulletin board posts.
 Memos.
 Other written communications.

Employees must be cautious and obey safety rules. Unsafe conditions should be reported to a supervisor
immediately. Disciplinary action, including termination of employment, may result from violating safety
standards, creating dangerous situations, or failing to report or remedy such situations.

A supervisor should be notified immediately in case of accident-related injuries, no matter how

insignificant. (See Section 3.16, Employee Requiring Medical Attention).

3.16 Health issues.

Strictly for the protection of employee health, employees should inform supervisors or human resources
representatives of health-related issues.

A doctor's note stating whether the employee can perform their job duties is required when or shortly after
notice has been given.

Employees should notify their supervisor and Human Resources Representative if a health issue requires a
leave of absence. These are granted on a case-by-case basis.

3.17 If an employee requires medical attention.

If an employee requires medical attention, the employee’s personal physician must be notified immediately.
If it is necessary for the employee to be seen by the doctor or go to the hospital, a family member will be
called to transport the employee to the appropriate facility.

Due to potential liabilities, [Company Name]’s employees will not be responsible for transporting another
employee.
The employee will be responsible for transportation charges when an emergency requires Emergency
Medical Services to evaluate the employee on-site.

3.18 Building security.

Employees are not allowed on Company property after hours without proper authorization.

Employees given the responsibility to close the business at the end of the day assume responsibility for
locking doors, arming alarm systems, and performing any additional building care, such as turning off lights
or setting thermostats.

Employees who are issued work keys are responsible for them.

3.19 Company supplies and expenditures.

Employees whose regular duties do not include purchasing shall not make purchases on behalf
of [Company Name] without written approval.

In order to make purchases in the name of the company, you must be authorized by a manager or
supervisor.

3.20 Expense reimbursement.

Reimbursements under [$x] will be included in the employee’s next regular paycheck. Larger amounts will
be processed as an invoice. Reimbursement request forms should be turned in to [department name].

Supervisors must give prior approval of expenses.

3.21 Visitors in the workplace.

To protect the safety and security of employees, visitors, and facilities, only authorized visitors are allowed
in the workplace. Restricting unauthorized visitors helps ensure security, guards confidential information,
decreases insurance liability, protects employee welfare, and limits distractions.

3.22 Parking.

Employees must park their cars in parking lots or other areas indicated and provided by the Company.

3.23 Immigration law compliance.

New employees must complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 and present
documentation verifying employment eligibility and identity.

[Company Name] employs United States citizens and non-U.S. citizens authorized to work in the United
States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Rehired employees who have not completed an I-9 with [Company Name] in the past three years or whose
previous I-9 is no longer retained or valid must complete another.

4. Wage and Salary Policies:

4.1 Wage or salary increases.

Employee wages are reviewed [insert time]. The employee’s review date is typically on or around the
anniversary date of employment or the date of the previous compensation review, although reviews may be
conducted more often, depending on the circumstances.

4.2 Timekeeping.

(The following is for employees using a time clock.) Nonexempt employees are responsible for recording
their time worked correctly. Time worked is time actually spent performing assigned duties. Employees are
responsible for recording time spent on individual jobs.

[Company Name] does not pay for time spent on personal business or extended breaks. The time clock is a
legal instrument. Altering, falsifying, tampering with time records, or recording time on another employee’s
time record will result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

Time records are reviewed weekly. Time record changes must be approved [by a
supervisor/manager]. [Insert title] can handle questions about timekeeping.

4.3 Overtime.

Overtime compensation is paid to nonexempt employees in accordance with federal and state wage and
hour restrictions.

Overtime is payable for all hours worked over [x] per week at a rate of one and one-half times the
nonexempt employee's regular hourly rate. Time off on personal time, holidays, or any leave of absence
will not be considered hours worked when calculating overtime. In addition, vacation time does not
constitute hours worked.

All overtime work performed by an hourly employee must receive authorization. Overtime worked without
authorization from the [insert supervisor name] may result in disciplinary action.

4.4 Paydays.

All employees are paid [insert timeframe]. In the event that a regularly scheduled payday falls on a
weekend or holiday, employees will receive pay [on/by the next day of operation].

[Company Name] provides an automated direct deposit service for employees, which automatically
deposits a pay stub in an employee’s bank or credit union account(s). To use this service, complete a direct
deposit authorization form, which is available from [insert department].

5. Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct:

 Standards of ethics and conduct for [Company Name] are important, and the Company takes them
seriously.

Employees are expected to follow codes and standards in conducting the Company’s business and doing
their jobs.

Deviating from company rules and standards can lead to disciplinary action, including termination of
employment (see Section 3.13, Disciplinary Action).

6. Benefits and Services:

[Company Name] offers a benefits program for its [regular full-time] and [regular part-
time] employees. However, the existence of these programs does not signify that an employee will
necessarily be employed for the required time necessary to qualify for the benefits included in and
administered through these programs.

6.1 Insurance.

[Company Name] offers the following health and life insurance programs for regular full-time employees
(as determined by the carrier of the policies).

 Health insurance. [Briefly describe your company’s health insurance policy].

 Life insurance. [Briefly describe your company’s life insurance policy].

This handbook does not contain the complete terms and/or conditions of any of [Company Name]'s current
insurance benefits plans. It is intended only to provide general explanations.

If there is ever any conflict between the handbook and any documents issued by one of [Company Name]'s
insurance carriers, the carrier’s guideline regulations will be regarded as authoritative.

6.2 COBRA benefits.

The Federal Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows employees and qualified
beneficiaries to continue health insurance coverage under [Company Name]’s health plan when a
“qualifying event” would normally result in loss of eligibility.

Common qualifying events include:

 Resignation.
 Termination of employment.
 Death of an employee.
 Reduction in an employee’s hours.
 Leave of absence.
 Divorce or legal separation.
 A dependent child no longer meets eligibility requirements.
 Under COBRA, the employee or beneficiary pays the full cost of coverage at [Company Name]’s group
rates plus an administrative fee. [Company Name] provides each eligible employee with a notice
describing rights under COBRA when the employee becomes eligible for coverage under [Company
Name]’s health insurance plan.

6.3 Simple IRA.

The Simple Investment Retirement Account (Simple IRA) plan offers [Company Name]'s employees an
opportunity for saving, financial growth, and favorable tax treatment. The IRA plan helps contributors save
by reducing gross taxable income.

6.4 Social security and Medicare.

[Company Name] withholds income tax from employee earnings and participates in FICA (Social
Security) and Medicare withholding and matching programs as the law requires.

[Insert any matching contribution information].

For any given year, a Contributing Participant’s Elective Deferrals shall not exceed [$x] (indexed for cost-
of-living increases according to law). Please see the [appropriate person] for the current percentage.
Eligibility occurs after [x months] of continuous employment for [regular full-time] and [regular part-
time] employees.

6.5 Vacation.

Paid vacation is available to regular part-time employees and regular full-time employees following their
first-year anniversary with [Company Name].

Paid vacation hours are based on the following:

 Vacation time accrues at the rate of [x] hours per hour worked during the first [x] years of
employment.
 Earned vacation can be used after [x months/x year] of continuous employment.

Unused earned vacation is paid and added to the employee’s final paycheck upon termination. One week of
paid vacation may be carried over from one calendar year to the next.

For vacations longer than one week, requests should be received in writing at least [x] days before the
proposed vacation period.

6.6 Record keeping.

The [Human Resources Department] maintains vacation day records.

6.7 Holidays.

[Company Name] observes the following [non-]paid holidays per year for all [nonexempt] employees:
 New Year's Day.
 Memorial Day.
 Independence Day.
 Labor Day.
 Thanksgiving Day.
 Day after Thanksgiving Day.
 Christmas Day.

6.8 Jury duty and military leave.

Employees will be granted unpaid time off for jury or military leave. Regular employees will be kept on
active payroll until civic duties are completed. A copy of the jury duty summons and associated paperwork
are required.

7. Employee Communications:

7.1 Procedure for handling complaints.

Under normal working conditions, employees who have a job-related problem, question, or complaint
should go to their immediate supervisor first to get the fastest and best solution. If the employee and
supervisor do not solve the problem, [Company Name] encourages employees to contact the [Human
Resources Representative].

7.2 Bulletin boards.

Employees are responsible for reading important announcements and information posted on the bulletin
boards in [locations].

7.3 Suggestion box.

[Company Name] encourages employees with suggestions that they do not want to give verbally or in
person to write them down and leave them in the suggestion box located [in/at x]. If this is done
anonymously, care will be taken to protect employee privacy. [A member of upper management] checks
the box on a regular basis.

7.4 Staff meetings.

Staff meetings will be held [insert schedule]. These meetings allow employees to be informed about
company activities and important news. It's also a chance to recognize employee performance.
How to Train New Employees

Learn more about how to effectively train your new employees.

FAQs:

How do I write an employee handbook?

The easiest way is to start with a template that covers all the important topics a handbook should cover,
and fill in the relevant information for your company.
Are employers required to provide an employee handbook?
There is no federal law mandating employee handbooks. But depending on company type, size, and
state, there may be information it is required to provide employees. A handbook can legally provide any
necessary information, along with essential and helpful information for employees.
What makes a great employee handbook?
When writing an employee handbook, keep it current and not too wordy. Demonstrate the culture and
heart of your company and avoid jargon. It's also helpful to have a mobile version of your handbook.
Are employee handbooks legally binding?
Unless clearly indicated otherwise, employee handbooks are considered to be an extension of the
employee contract and are thus legally binding in court.
What should an employee handbook include?
Employee handbooks will be different according to what's relevant to different companies, but basically,
they should explain some basic information about the company and the policies and codes employees
should follow. You can include sections on your company's history, employment policies, codes of
ethics and conduct, methods of communication for employees, and outlines of employees' pay, benefits,
and promotions.
What is legally required in an employee handbook?
You are not legally required to have an employee handbook, but you are legally required to inform
employees of their rights. Some companies have mandated signs throughout the workplace while others
provide written notices during the onboarding process.
Why is an employee handbook important?
An employee handbook outlines the company's policies, regulations, and legal obligations as well as the
employees' rights. It is usually the first place to look for legal clarification on the company's policies and
procedures and details everything employees need to know about the workplace.
Do you have to sign an employee handbook?
It is not required by law, but it is best to receive a signed acknowledgment from employees since the
handbook outlines the company's policies and guidelines. However, the employee may still be held
accountable to the policies and guidelines outlined in the handbook even if he or she refuses to sign an
acknowledgment of receipt. If an employee does refuse to sign an acknowledgment of receipt, you
should discuss his or her concerns.
What is the purpose of having an employee handbook?
The purpose of an employee handbook is to set company tone, explain basic information about the
company and workplace to help new employees, describe the company's mission, goals, and principles.
It should also describe compensation and benefits, company rules, and policies.
How often should employee handbooks be updated?
You should update your employee handbook at least annually. However, to safeguard both yourself and
your employees, keep up to date on employment law and regulations and reflect any changes in your
employee handbook.
What is a Simple IRA?
A Simple IRA is a retirement plan established by employers and self-employed individuals (with sole
proprietorships and partnerships). It allows employees to defer taxation on their compensation by
contributing part of it to an investment plan. Taxes are deferred until the money is distributed.
What is COBRA insurance?
COBRA is a federal law creating an insurance program that gives some employees the ability to receive
health insurance coverage after employment ends. Typically employers with 20 or more employees must
offer COBRA insurance. Employees usually pay the entire premium to continue receiving insurance.
What is an expense reimbursement?
Expense reimbursement is a way of paying employees back for spending personal money on business
expenses. Expenses related to travel, purchasing supplies, business-related meals, equipment, and
software are common. Employees typically fill out a reimbursement form before being paid back.
What is outside employment?
An outside employment policy sets conditions for employees at a company who choose to hold jobs
elsewhere in addition to their work with that company. It usually requires that the employee meets all
performance standards, and that the outside employment does not present a conflict of interest.
What is a nondiscrimination policy?
A nondiscrimination policy makes it clear that a company or organization does not discriminate for
employment or any other aspect of employment, such as raises or promotions. It may also describe
penalties for employees who discriminate.