Employee Handbook
An Employee Handbook is a series of employment policies, usually given to employees at the start of employment.
4.8 (48 reviews)
Last updated December 20, 2024
Under 5 minutes
Suitable for Australia
Written by
Edwin Montoya Zorrilla
Reviewed by
Damin Murdock
Document Overview
An employee handbook is a useful resource that ensures all employees are aware of rules and expectations. Generally, new hires will be provided with a copy of this handbook. It will clarify expectations and standards for both the employer and employee of a workplace. This document can also protect the company from certain lawsuits in the event of an employee claim. Depending on the case itself, you can prove that an employee knew the standards and expectations of their role.
Use this Handbook if:
- You want to set out formal workplace policies for your employees;
- You want to outline general policies and expectations for all employees in your workplace;
- You wish to create a consolidated document inclusive of all relevant workplace policies
The Legal Risk Score of a Employee Handbook Template
Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:
- It is a commonplace policy collection.
- Workplace policies can be changed at any time at the discretion of the employer.
- The document allows for flexible working arrangements, which, while beneficial, could lead to operational challenges or inconsistencies in managing diverse employee needs and expectations across the organization.
Employee Handbook Checklist
Complete your free Employee Handbook with our checklist
Review by Legal Professionals
Ensure the document is reviewed by a lawyer to confirm compliance with current laws and regulations.
Communicate Policies
Distribute the document to all employees and ensure they understand the policies through training or informational sessions.
Monitor Compliance
Regularly monitor and audit compliance with the policies outlined in the document to ensure they are being followed correctly.
Update as Necessary
Periodically review and update the document to reflect any changes in legal requirements or company operations.
What does this Handbook cover?
This handbook gives companies the option to include as few or as many of the following employment policies as they choose:
- IT Policy
- Drug and Alcohol Policy
- Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Harassment and Bullying Policy
- Grievance Policy
- Poor Performance and Misconduct Policy
- Performance Management Policy
- Work Health and Safety (WHS) Policy
- Employee Privacy Policy
- Social Media Policy
- Workplace Surveillance Policy
- Leave Policy
- Working from Home Policy
- Conflict of Interest Policy
- Return to Work (Managing Injury) Policy
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Modern Slavery Policy
- Whistleblower Policy
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy
- Diversity Policy
- Employee Assistance Program Policy
- Employee Exit Policy
- Expense Claim Policy
- Flexible Working Policy
- Cybersecurity Policy
- Use of Company Property Policy
- First Aid Policy
- ESG Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Dress Code Policy
- Pets at Work Policy
Further Information:
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