Think of a handbook as your company’s go-to manual – it is the cornerstone of your workplace resources, containing all the vital information and guiding principles of your business in one central resource.
A great company handbook facilitates clear communication, ensures a cohesive employee experience and streamlines the onboarding process for your new joiners. It also helps to magnify and codify your company culture, creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
While the format often varies, as a rule of thumb a handbook typically includes the following:
- A warm welcome message
- Some interesting titbits about your company’s history, mission, ethos and core values
- A collection of fair and legally compliant workplace policies that outline the laws of the land, covering areas such as conduct, performance and disciplinary procedures
- An overview of your employee benefits and perks
While company handbooks on their own are not legally required, certain policies are required by law, such as health and safety policies and disciplinary and grievance procedures that adhere to ACAS guidelines.
So, what are some of the benefits of having a well-structured company handbook? Let’s take a closer look.
Benefit 1 – Talent Strategy
A company handbook extends a warm welcome to new joiners, helps them to settle in and sets the stage for a positive journey with your organisation. Not only does this create a stellar first impression, but it also shows that you’re a professional, organised and committed employer
Benefit 2 – Legal Protection
A well-constructed company handbook serves as a shield against legal disputes by providing transparent, accessible and consistent guidance on company policies and procedures.
Benefit 3 – Slick Onboarding and Training
The onboarding process can be streamlined with a well-designed company handbook, as it helps new employees get comfortable with your company’s culture, policies and procedures.
Benefit 4 – Efficiency and Empowerment
A user-friendly, digital and accessible employee handbook can be empowering, as it provides instant access to key company information and resources. From booking time off to making a flexible working application, your employees will have the necessary information at their fingertips.
Benefit 5 – Prevent Internal Conflicts
If your handbook contains robust HR policies and step-by-step guidelines, it could serve as a proactive tool for conflict prevention.
Benefit 6 – Demonstrate Progressiveness
While your employment contracts should outline the core terms and conditions, the company handbook can supplement this. Incorporating policies that go beyond the statutory minimum.
Benefit 7 – Support leaders
A great company handbook is particularly beneficial for people managers. It helps them feel better supported and informed, providing the necessary knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and apply company policies consistently across their teams.
Benefit 8 – Cultivate a Strong Culture
Your handbook is more than just a collection of policies. It’s a reflection of your company culture and can help create a positive work environment where people feel valued, respected and motivated.
Benefit 9 – Build a high-performance culture
The company handbook can also play a crucial role in encouraging personal and career development, building a high-performance culture.
Benefit 10 – Support mental health and wellbeing
Demonstrating your commitment to supporting good mental health and wellbeing within the company handbook sends a powerful message to your employees. Using inclusive language, showing empathy and encouraging open conversations around mental health, could help reduce stigma.
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