Employment · HR glossary

Employee Handbook

An employee handbook brings together information about workplace policies, procedures and expectations. It helps employees find guidance on topics such as leave, conduct, benefits and reporting concerns.

By SmallHRTools · How we write definitions

Example

A new starter uses the handbook to find the absence-reporting process and the contact for raising a payroll query.

What to keep in mind

A handbook is not always a contract, and its legal effect depends on wording and jurisdiction. Keep it consistent with employment terms and distinguish mandatory rights from discretionary policies.

Employee Handbook

Example

What to keep in mind

Further reading