Employee Handbook: Do I Really Need One?

As your business progresses, it’s important to make sure you dot your I's and cross your T's on the back end of your business. One way you can do this is by making sure you have an employee handbook. So many of us are busy with everything on our to-do lists that we often overlook the details when it comes to hiring someone new. We tell them to hop in the truck and get to work without even thinking about all the goes into taking on a new employee.

Of course there are many steps to hiring an employee and an employee handbook is just one. However, it is an important step that you don't want to miss.

Why is an employee handbook important?

1.) Clearly communicates company policies and expectations.

You want your employees to know when they are expected to show up, and how they are supposed to best represent the company. While your employees are out working, although they may not be directly interacting with customers, they are representing the image of your company. You want both you and your employees to be proud of where they work and show that by respecting your policies and putting their best foot forward. Respect and adherence to the policies should be demonstrated whether that's in the day-to-day activities or their communication with you as the owner.

2.) Ensures consistent enforcement of company policies.

Having an employee handbook allows you to have a list of rules to consistently turn to. If it's in the handbook, you enforce it. There is no picking and choosing what you're going to let slide. If the policies are there for your employees to follow, then you as the owner need to enforce them.

3.) Minimizes risk and conflict.

We have all had a run in with a difficult employee, but your handbook is there to help you clarify any gray areas. The expectations and policies should be crystal clear, so that they are fairly straight forward to enforce. If you think it's challenging to find employees in this job market, try getting rid of one. When it comes to termination you will want to have as much of a paper trail as possible and an employee handbook is an excellent start.

I know this can sound overwhelming and you may not know where to start. We have an editable Employee Handbook & Guidelines resource that you can download and plug in your own information and customize to your needs. It is a great plug and play resource to get you started on your path to taking on employees.

Remember, a handbook should set clear expectations for both you and the employee. The goal is to minimize any miscommunications and set your employee and your company up for success!