Welcome and how the company works
Start with a short introduction: what the company does, how teams are organized and who to go to with questions. This is the part new hires read first.
Employment basics
- Employment status and classifications, such as full-time, part-time, exempt and non-exempt.
- Equal employment opportunity and anti-harassment policies, including how to report a concern.
- Background checks and work eligibility, where they apply.
Pay, hours and time off
- Pay schedule and how pay is delivered.
- Working hours, timekeeping and overtime rules for non-exempt employees.
- Paid time off, holidays and sick leave, and how to request time off.
- Leaves of absence you offer or are required to provide.
Benefits overview
Summarize the benefits you offer and who is eligible. Point to the full plan documents rather than repeating them.
Conduct and workplace
- Code of conduct and conflicts of interest.
- Remote and hybrid work expectations, if they apply.
- Workplace safety.
Technology and security
- Acceptable use of company devices and accounts.
- Password and account security. See our password manager rollout guide.
- Handling confidential and customer data.
Leaving the company
Explain how to give notice, what happens to final pay and benefits, and how equipment and access are returned. See the onboarding and offboarding checklist.
Acknowledgment and updates
Ask every employee to confirm they have received and read the handbook, and keep that record in your HR system. Review the handbook at least once a year, since employment laws change and vary by state. Have an employment attorney review it before you publish. This article is general information, not legal advice.
We write handbooks and HR policies with your team, set them up in your HR system and keep them current. See people and HR.