By Elizabeth Hartsel

An employee handbook is one of the most important components employment attorneys advise companies to have and update regularly. The reasons for this are simple: employee handbooks not only formalize guidelines, expectations, and terms and conditions of employment, but, more important, they can also help provide a layer of protection against employee claims and lawsuits.

A thorough and detailed employee handbook, reviewed and signed by the employee, establishes that both company and employee are aware of the employee and company’s legal rights and obligations. In addition, should the business ever face an employee claim or lawsuit, the handbook also serves as a helpful legal defense by demonstrating that the company strives to operate in compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws.

Writing your employee handbook

Understandably, developing an employee handbook from scratch can feel like an overwhelming task. An experienced employment attorney can help you create a comprehensive handbook that addresses the most fundamental policies. If you decide to strike out on your own, however, the following is a list of essential topics to address:

• Compensation and benefit policies
• Vacation, sick, and paid or unpaid leave policies
• Dress code
• Workplace safety and security policies
• Non-disclosure agreements and conflict of interest statements
• Internet usage policies
• How to file or report workplace complaints
• Equal employment, disability, and...

Read Full Story: https://www.forbes.com/sites/allbusiness/2022/03/07/the-most-essential-employ...