Conduct policy

1. Sexual harassment policy - inappropriate language and actions will not

be tolerated.

2. Anti-discrimination policy - Describe your workplace as an inclusive

environment that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

3. Drug, alcohol, and smoking policy - company’s policy for alcohol and
tobacco in the workplace.

4. Company property policy - computers, phones, vehicles, or other

valuable property individuals use on a daily basis.

5. Social media policy - behave online, especially if their social media

profiles make it known they’re an employee of your company.

Attendance policy

This section should outline work hours, when breaks can be taken and for how
long, and how to clock in and out.

Dress code policy

That means you should go beyond generic terms like “professional attire” or
“business casual” and describe exactly what’s okay to wear for specific situations.
This section is even more important if your company has a dress code policy for
safety or legal compliance reasons. If that’s the case, detail every clothing item
required and why each is important.

Compensation and benefits policy

payroll frequency and payment methods and detail the primary benefits offered,
like medical, dental, and retirement savings. If your company offers any
secondary benefits, like education or wellness reimbursements, explain those
here as well

Expense policy

If employees to spend their own money in the course of doing their job, especially
if their position requires travel or work outside of a regular workplace.
Leave policy

PL, CL and permission Give the exact number of vacation days/hours

employees are provided each year.

Sick time – Additionally, give the exact number of sick days/hours employees
are provided each year.

Company-recognized holidays – List the company-wide holidays throughout

the year so employees can plan accordingly.

Maternity, paternity, and compassionate leave – Detail the time off provided
for major life events, including the birth of a child.

Employee accommodations

Describe the purpose and rules for every room included in your office, like break
rooms, meeting rooms, and common areas.

Exit policy

Employees eventually move on, whether it be for voluntary or involuntary

reasons. Outline how an employee is expected to give their resignation and the
amount of notice required. Also, cover the reasons that can result in termination
and the warnings that will be provided before it occurs.

 Should be written by HR – HR owns the employee handbook in most

companies. They are familiar with the company policies and know how to
describe them using the right language.
 Then reviewed by a legal professional – After HR finishes writing
each policy, the document should be reviewed by a lawyer who is an expert
in employment law.
 Include it in new hire onboarding – New hires should be walked
through every policy in the handbook during their onboarding.
 Get acknowledgment signatures from new hires – After the new hire
reviews the handbook, ask them to sign a document confirming they
understand each policy.
 Update frequently – Company policies will evolve over time so be sure to
always update your handbook as needed.
 Have a digital version readily available – It makes the handbook
easily accessible and ensures employees are consulting the latest versio