What should be in an employee handbook?

Some of what goes into an employee handbook is dictated by law-sexual harassment policy, antidiscrimination statement and overtime entitlements, for example. Other contents, such as benefits, leave policies and work rules, are put into a handbook to ensure that employees know what the company's position is on each matter. Handbooks serve multiple purposes-compliance, notice, training, communication, documentation and public relations.

Here are many of the topics that are generally covered in an employee handbook:

• Welcome Statement

• Mission Statement

• Nondiscrimination Statement/EEO Statement

• Other Harassment Policy

• Fraternization/Dating Policy

• Nonunion Status Statement

• No Solicitation/No Distribution Policy

• Probationary Period for Unemployment Compensation

• Drugfree Workplace Policy (optional)

• Employee Complaint Procedure

• Suggestion Program

• Description of Benefits

• Work Rules

• Pay Policy

• Holidays

• Sick Leave Policy, including Maternity

• Family and Medical Leave Act General Notice

• Family and Medical Leave Act Policy

• Vacation Policy

• Jury Duty Policy

• Military Service Policy

• Safety Policy

• Reporting Work-Related Injuries Policy

• Security Policy

• First Aid Policy

• Parking Rules

• Smoking Policy

• Outside Employment

• Dress Code

After compiling the handbook, be sure to have it reviewed by your attorney.

See "Sample employee handbook" at ¶61,038.