It is fairly common for even small companies to have employee manuals, but most of the time, they do not put as much thought into it as they should. This can wind up having more significant consequences than most people realize if they ever face legal issues later on. But what exactly do you need to put in your employee manual, and what might happen if your manual is not correctly written?
What is an Employee Manual?
An employee manual is the document that your company creates for employees to inform them of any information they need to know about joining your business. This includes company policies related to things like expected conduct, performance evaluations, and potential punishment for violations of company rules. It may also contain information about benefits and other perks, such as access to a healthcare plan or paid time off.
What Should You Have in Your Employee Manual?
In addition to this basic information, however, it is a good idea to clearly lay out company policies with regard to potential legal issues that may involve employees. These includes things like discrimination, sexual harassment, or the handling of confidential or sensitive information. An employee manual may also lay out basic workplace safety rules, including what to do in the event that an employee is injured on the job.
Why Does it Matter What’s in Your Employee Manual?
The language in your employee manual can be important if you are ever sued, because it lays out your company’s expected policies for handling potentially serious problems, including ones which may lead to litigation or regulatory action. While it may not be the be-all and end-all, what is explicitly stated in your manual may be used as evidence to establish whether you had appropriate policies in place to handle whatever you have been accused of. If it turns out your policies are lacking, that might be used against you, while a well-crafted handbook may tip things in your favor.
What Should You Do?
The best way to ensure your bases are covered, legally speaking, is to consult a lawyer with experience handling business and employment law matters. They can help you write an employee handbook that suits your needs, to ensure you get the best possible outcome for your situation. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work for you.
If you have a business law issue, give the Law Office of Andrew Ross Sack a call. Andrew Ross Sack is a New York and New Jersey business lawyer who has considerable experience in handling the many aspects of business law. To schedule a consultation with New York City/Long Island/Westchester business lawyer Andrew Ross Sack, call (516) 526-3319 or visit his contact page.
