What is an employee handbook used for?

The importance of an employee handbook can not be understated. This hard lesson learned from another service professional should be enough to make you take action. A good employee handbook is comprehensive and has fair policies that each of your employees agrees to.
See below for an example of what a table of contents could look like and go to the bottom of the page to download your free editable 26-page employee handbook template.

Employee Handbook Example (Table of Contents) 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Basic Company Information

1.2 This Employee Handbook

1.3 Policy Changes

1.4 At-Will Employment

1.5 No Guarantees & Interpretation

1.6 Disputes

SECTION 2: EMPLOYMENT POLICIES

2.1 Employment Classification

2.2 Confidentiality

2.3 Conflicts of Interest

2.4 Employment of Minors

2.5 Employment of Relatives & Personal Relationships

2.6 Probationary Period

2.7 Privacy

2.8 Immigration Issues

2.9 Political Neutrality

SECTION 3: PAYROLL PRACTICES

3.1 References & Records

3.2 Payment Information

3.3 Overtime

3.4 Deductions

3.5 Logistics

3.6 Breaks And Meals

3.7 Garnishment of Wages

SECTION 4: EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE

4.1 Performance Reviews

4.2 Pay Increases

4.3 Attendance

4.4 Dress Code

4.5 Safety

SECTION 5: STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

5.1 Equal Employment Opportunity

5.2 Discipline For Infractions

5.3 Anti-Harassment and Discrimination

5.4 How to Make a Complaint

5.5 Substance Abuse

5.6 No expectation of Privacy

SECTION 6: HARDWARE & INTERNET POLICIES

6.1 Computer, Internet, and Email Use

6.2 Social Media Policy

6.3 Handheld Electronics (all mobile devices)

SECTION 7: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SERVICES

7.1 General

7.2 Group Health Insurance

7.3 Group Life Insurance

7.4 Unemployment Insurance

7.5 Profit-Sharing Plan

7.6 Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

7.7 401(k) Plan

7.8 Social Security Benefits (FICA)

7.9 Commuter Benefits

7.10 Workers’ Compensation

SECTION 8: EMPLOYEE TIME OFF & LEAVES OF ABSENCE

8.1 General

8.2 Paid Time Off (PTO) Days

8.3 Observed Holidays

8.4 Family and Medical Leave

8.5 Pregnancy-Disability Leave

8.6 Workers’ Compensation Leave

8.7 Military Leave

8.8 Military Family Leave

8.9 Bereavement Leave

8.10 Jury Duty