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How to create an employee handbook

This guide outlines practical steps employers can take to create an employee handbook, including defining purpose, gathering policies, and aligning content with current legal requirements.

by Douglas Zucker, Bauch Zucker Hatfield LLC

It is important for employers to document policies and procedures in writing to ensure consistency in employee management as well as to make sure that all employees and supervisors are familiar with their rights and obligations with respect to the employer.

In this guide, learn about:

  • Step 1: Determine the purpose or intention of the handbook
  • Step 2: Assemble all prior writings and practices on employment-related topics
  • Step 3: Obtain information and input from relevant stakeholders
  • Step 4: Determine what subjects the handbook will include
  • Step 5: Conduct research to determine status of the law and identify current trends on policies and benefits

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Latest updates

Updated with respect to the National Labor Relations Board’s August 2023 Stericycle ruling, which adopted a new legal standard for evaluating the validity of workplace rules under the National Labor Relations Act.

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