A Well-Drafted Employee Handbook Can Help You Avoid Many Pitfalls

Once a business grows large enough to need more than a handful of workers, entrepreneurs must consider ways to minimize legal liability. Often, a well-developed employee handbook can prevent some employment law problems before they have a chance to arise.

Unfortunately, many business owners operating in Woodland Hills, California, do not understand how an employee handbook can protect them. When your book takes the current California labor laws into account, they can help your workers comply. At the same time, your handbook can also protect you from litigation.

Four Tips for Creating Your First Employee Handbook

A handbook puts your workplace policies into writing for all your workers to see. If you have never developed a handbook or employment policies, you may not know how to get started. The tips below can help even brand-new bosses develop a handbook that protects your and your employees’ interests.

1. Take a broad approach. For new employers who are not sure what to include, consider starting with broad terms and then refine your book over time as you learn more.
2. Talk about your company. While it is vital to include legal matters, you should also discuss your business values, employment standards and culture.
3. Be user-friendly. If your handbook contains too much legalese or business jargon, your employees may not read the whole book. Keep your language clear and precise while still covering the critical points you wish to highlight.
4. Review it frequently. Your handbook should always reflect the latest employment laws to keep your business out of litigation. Be sure to review the document frequently or have a legal advocate review it to ensure it continues to protect your business interests.

We also recommend learning more about California employment law and the power of a well-written employee handbook.