Labor and Employment: Steps in Making an Employee Manual

An employee manual serves as a guide for both the employee and employer. More than the policies and provisions of the company, it should also include state and federal regulations regarding employment. The creation of employment manual should be handled with care as it concerns legal obligations. Along with these steps, having employment lawyers Los Angeles review the manual should also be considered when making or redoing an employee handbook.

1. Establish the purpose of the employee manual. Will it provide answers to every question about employment that the employees want to know, or will it serve merely as a “framework,” addressing major points but leaving out some of the details, which is better if the company has a large workforce? The latter type is good when it comes to employer-employee communication since this will prompt employees to approach the human resources instead.
2. Build a committee for this project. Choose the people who would make up the committee wisely. A representative from each area of human resources should be a part in making an employee manual, including those who are specialists in benefits, payroll, training, and recruitment.
3. Each member of the committee from the HR should handle a specific portion of the manual, preferably based on their specialty. Schedule meetings for discussions and deadline for drafts. Make sure that all of the members have input during discussions.
4. Ask for the support of the company’s officials in this project. Explain to them the why a new employment manual is needed and the advantages that the company can get from it, especially if it includes some changes in the company’s standard operating procedures. Any changes in SOPs that affects the full workforce have to be supported by the company’s heads.
5. Let the employees know beforehand if there are changes in the manual that should be expected. This will help them understand and cope with the changes immediately.
6. Schedule the launch of the new manual as well. It’s a great idea to present the new employee manual along with the creation of other HR policies, if there are any. That way, the new policies can be included on the new manual too.
7. Once the manual is finalized, share it with the company’s executive board and have them evaluate it. The employment manual can only be distributed if the committee and heads approve the final version. It is better to give the manual during a staff meeting so that the employees have time to review and ask questions regarding the changes.

The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.