Why Should Every Employee Get a Copy of Your Employee Handbook? 

Continuity and consistency are critical components of a successful company. Formally documenting expectations, processes, disciplinary measures and other official parts of your business’s mission and workplace can help curb confusion, limit disputes and resolve issues. As an employer, your official employee handbook is an invaluable resource, potentially containing extensive and essential information. Providing every employee with a copy should be a given.

What Makes Employee Handbooks So Important?

By giving all employees an up-to-date copy of your company’s handbook, you can make sure they have key information at their fingertips at all times. Electronic versions of these documents can be easily distributed, but you may also want to make hard copies available upon request. Regardless, verifying that every employee has access to these resources can garner the following benefits:

• Established expectations—An employee handbook typically includes key information regarding a company’s policies (e.g., dress code and behavioral expectations), goals and values, helping everyone be on the same page. This collective mentality can foster a culture of openness and trust.
• Confirmed compliance—Your employee handbook should outline legal obligations to which your business is beholden, as well as industry standards. Supplying this knowledge to employees can help them take part in maintaining compliance, such as by knowing when to recognize and report issues or violations.
• Optimized onboarding—Issuing a copy to new hires can help them get a head start on immersing themselves in their new company culture and understanding what will be expected of them.
• Reduced risk—Many employers may eventually face employment practices liability lawsuits, alleging various offenses, such as wrongful termination or unjust discipline. Providing a copy of your employee handbook to every staff member helps protect both employees and employers alike.

We’re Here to Help

At Lyceum Insurance Services, we proudly help employers find ways to improve their workplaces. Contact us today if you have questions about employee handbooks or other ways to optimize your organization.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.