We all know that the employee handbook is a very common communication tool that companies use to inform about some mandatory information to their employees, but we shouldn’t see it just as something we must have because of regulatory reasons, but also as a very useful tool that can help us communicate the company’s vision and values to our employees.

The employee handbook defines our organizational culture and it starts transmitting these values to our employees since their very first day onboard. This is the best way to communicate to our new employees how we expect the company to function, and how we expect them to behave as a part of that whole machinery. Besides, the employee handbook can help us if we ever have to face any employment investigation or an employment lawsuit. The following are some of the most important reasons why we should be concerned about having an accurate and complete employment handbook:

• As already mentioned, it introduces our new employees to our organizational culture: to our mission and values. If our employees have a clear image of our company culture, of our objectives, of what the company values most, they will be able to perform in the same way, knowing how the company expects their employees to behave and what the company values the most. This way, all our employees will be working in the same global objectives focused direction.
• When we have an accurate and properly written employee handbook, the roles and responsibilities of our employees are thoroughly explained. This way, they all know, from the beginning their tasks and what the company expects from them. This helps employees understand their job position, their role and the responsibilities they must fulfil. This helps create a better working environment.
• The employee handbook not only defines an employee’s position and responsibilities, but it must also explain what they should expect from their managers. The kind of employee-manager relationship that the company expects must be explained so all employees know what to expect from their managers.
• You can also make sure through the employee handbook that all the employees have a clear explanation of all company policies regarding employment, employee behavior, safety, compensation, etc.
• It is also the best way to show your employees all the perks and benefit packages the company offers and they can take advantage of: paid time off, health care, any discount on gyms or other activities, retirement plans, life insurance…
• The employee handbook is a very important element in terms of legally demonstrating that your company’s policies and practices comply with federal and state regulations.
• It can also become the perfect proof to protect the company in case of employment claims and lawsuits.
• The employee handbook serves as guidance for employees when they need any help on who to reach when they need to solve any confrontation, report any infraction in the workplace or any other issue related to the workplace.

Therefore, this is a very important tool to make sure that all the employees have a clear picture of the company, their position and what to expect from the company, as well as what the company expects from them. At the same time, it may be the key to demonstrate, in any case, that the company policies fulfil all rules and regulations.