Creating a comprehensive company handbook or staff manual is a really good way of documenting the policies and procedures that you have in place that apply to all employees in your organisation.
Some of the most important terms that apply to each employee individually will be contained each employee contract, but the company handbook contains the full set of policies and procedures that lay out how the company approaches a whole range of HR issues. And having these policies outside the employment contract can help you update them in line with current legislation as needed, without having to request your employee’s agreement, as long as the changes are minor and not detrimental to the employee. Having this well organised also decreases the chances of an employment dispute.
It is particularly important to have up to date and fair policies in your handbook. ACAS, outline a code of practice, and it is particularly important that your disciplinary and grievance processes comply with this code.
If they don’t and you end up receiving a claim for an employment tribunal, a non-compliant process can result in a 25% uplift of a successful award.
The employee handbook is unique to each company and will vary by industry. It is helpful to begin with some information on the company’s mission and objectives, then move on to the employment policies.
Commonly used procedures and policies are:
Our specialist employment solicitors can help you put together a comprehensive company handbook that is adapted to the requirements of your business, and we can help you keep it up to date as policies change.
So if you think that your company policies and procedures need a little bit of polishing up, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line.
Rachel has a wealth of experience in corporate and commercial law, having worked in practice and in-house since she qualified in 1993.
Rachel runs our legal team at Accounts and Legal, and specialises in drafting bespoke commercial contracts, shareholder's agreements, loan agreements, commercial leases and share option schemes.
Her colleagues also have specialisms in employment law and intellectual property, and cover the full spectrum of disciplines required by entrepreneurs and small business owners.
So if you have a specific requirement, or think you might benefit form a company health check, please don't hesitate to drop her a line.