Employee Handbooks
An Employee Handbook is one of the essential services that Workforce Solutions provides to our clients. Beyond the legal basics of an employee handbook, we make sure to implement the best practices to avoid employee relations problems and as a defense in or to litigation. This aspect of the employee handbook may be more art than science, and there are varying schools of thought about the best way to use the handbook as a defensive tool. In any event, our clients benefit from an up-to-date handbook that protects both Workforce Solutions, Inc. and our clients from employment litigation.
Our Employee Handbooks are broken down into three basic sections. The first section of an employee handbook should discuss general considerations, the second section discusses the unique issues to the Workforce Solutions, Inc. and Client relationship, and the final section addresses specific policies and provisions common to most handbooks.
Here are some points to remember when creating your Employee Handbook:
- Make it Readable and Understandable
- Keep it Current
- Contract Disclaimer Language
- At-Will Statement
- Open Door Policy
- EEO Policy
- Disability Accommodation Policy
- Harassment Policy
- FMLA and Other Leave Policies
- Introductory Period
- Vacation Pay
- Drug Testing
- Smoking
- Attendance
- Pay Schedule, Deductions, and Errors in Pay
- Electronic Device Policies
- Intellectual Property
- Computer Access and Monitoring Policies
- Non-Fraternization Policy
- Conflicts of Interest
- Workplace Violence Policy
- Standards of Conduct
- Discipline and Discharge
Proof that an employee received the handbook often is critical when legal disputes arise. A handbook acknowledgment form should include language that the employee received the handbook, read it or will read it, and agrees to comply with the policies set fort in it. The acknowledgment should also include that at-will statement and reminder that the handbook is not an employment contract. A new handbook acknowledgment form should be signed any time the handbook is reissued in whole or in part.
As a client of Workforce Solutions, Inc. we are happy to review and or make changes to your employee handbook at anytime. Please contact your Client Services Representative for help with review of your Employee Handbook.
Tags: Employee Handbooks, Inc., PEO Benefits, PEO UTAH, Professional Employer Organization, Workforce Solutions