Employer Staff Handbooks
A staff handbook is a comprehensive document which includes employment related policies and procedures.
Should I have a staff handbook?
Although there is no obligation to have a formal staff handbook, there are certain key policies and procedures that an employer should have. A staff handbook is a sensible means of keeping all policies and procedures in a central place which should be well communicated to the workforce so that they know where to find it. It is also likely to assist with any action brought against the business where procedures are clear, adhered to and well communicated. Staff handbooks are often disclosed during proceedings at an employment tribunal.
What should be in a staff handbook?
The staff handbook should include all relevant policies and procedures. There are a number of policies and procedures, such as a disciplinary procedure, grievance procedure, capability procedure and equal opportunities policy. There are, of course, many more and this is what we would discuss with you. The staff handbook is effectively a “go to” place for all members of the workforce.
Should I review my staff handbook?
We often find that employers have outdated policies and procedures, they are not current, are worded poorly, no longer reflect the needs and working practices of the business or important procedures are omitted entirely. Some procedures cannot even be located at all or are fragmented. Employers do not usually realise that their policies and procedures are an issue until a problem arises.
We recommend keeping your staff handbook under review to ensure that it is up to date and that it still reflects the requirements of the business. There is also a huge benefit to collating all the important points that you want to be bring to the attention of your employees. A well drafted staff handbook is also more easily managed in terms of any changes that need to be made.
How do I make people aware of the staff handbook?
The staff handbook should be communicated to all of the workforce. For more office-based environments, it might be available on an internal intranet site, however, more off site environments might prefer to pin it on a staff room wall. The key point is that it is well communicated so that everyone either has a copy or knows where to find it.