You have established your company. You have the necessary paperwork together and are looking forward to bringing in your first batch of employees. Your business is ready to go and you can’t wait to open your door to clients. Nonetheless, it’s important to first ensure that you are complying with all the relevant regulations.
Employment laws and regulations (state and federal) can be confusing, to say the least. One way you can protect your business is by preparing and making available an employee handbook that contains workplace policies.
There are many compelling reasons why you need to have an employee handbook regardless of the size of your business. Here are some of them:
Shield your company from lawsuits
Employment-related lawsuits such as violations relating to discrimination, employee classification, meal and rest breaks and harassment can certainly be unwelcome distractions. Besides costing precious time and money, these lawsuits can also hurt the organization’s reputation. A properly-written employee handbook can communicate policies to employees and serve as a manual for day-to-day operations.
Promote transparency and open communication
A clear communication channel is crucial for a positive work environment. By letting employees (new and existing) access and read the employee handbook, you are letting them know the organization’s mission, vision, purpose and core values. And this is key to cultivating a positive work environment where every team member knows how they should handle questions and concerns pertaining to their employment, rights and the general work environment.
Compliance with the law
An employee handbook reaffirms, where there were doubts, that your organization is keen to adhere to state and federal laws and regulations that relate to labor and employment.
Protecting your rights
A safe working environment is crucial for the success of any organization. While creating a safe workplace where everyone feels secure is a continuous process, it all begins with having an employee handbook in place.