It is recommended by some that all businesses in Kentucky should have an employee handbook. A comprehensive employee handbook is beneficial to business owners because it gives employees the information that they need to do their job, informs them of benefits available to them and lets them know what their rights in the workplace are. An employee handbook also helps business owners manage their company and provides protections to both business owners and employees. There are three general components an employee handbook should contain.
Employee handbooks as policy manuals
First, an employee handbook should serve as a policy manual, letting workers know what is expected of them and how to follow the rules of the workplace. For example, if smoking or drug use is prohibited in the workplace, this should be included in the employee handbook. Any policies on non-discrimination, attendance and penalties for absenteeism and tardiness should also be included. How workers will be evaluated should also be included in the employee handbook.
Employee handbooks as procedure manuals
Second, an employee handbook should serve as a procedure manual that helps in employee training and provides current workers understand how to do their job. For example, the employee handbook should cover what happens at the start of the workday and what workers should do if there is a fire in the workplace. This makes training new employees simply and gives current employees a reference manual when situations covered in the handbook come up.
Employee handbooks as a benefits description
Third, an employee handbook should describe benefits available to workers, including time off, salary information and other benefits offered by the employer. In addition, benefits employers are legally required to offer, like worker’s comp and unemployment insurance should also be included in the employee handbook. Employee handbooks should also define who is eligible for benefits. For example, some benefits are only offered to full-time employees. If this is the case, the employee handbook should define who is a full-time employee. Raises and promotions should also be described in an employee handbook.