How to Write an Effective Employee Manual

There are a few necessary steps needed to write an effective employee manual so that everyone knows the rules, and the regulations of a particular job. By creating a straightforward employee manual, you can ensure that your employees know the boundaries of the company, and how to do their jobs more effectively.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Good writing end editing skills
• Knowledge of employment laws
• Computer
• Internet access
• Employement attorney

1. Make sure your employee manual abides by local, state and federal laws.
2. Address issues that may arise, such as dress code, sexual harassment regulations, time off, and use of cell phones in the office. If the rules are in writing, no one can argue that they never knew.
3. Make sure the grammar is correct. Use simple and short sentences to get your point across. Avoid the use of fancy language or terminology. An effective employee manual needs to be clear so employees can understand it. You do not want to confuse your employees and have too many "gray areas".
4. Have an employment attorney review it. Although this may seem like an unnecessary expense it can help avoid a lawsuit down the road. So think of it as an investment in your company rather than an expense.
5. Make sure your employees read and understand your employee manual. Get a signed acknowledgment form from each employee.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that as laws and your business may change so should your employee manual. This is one one of the best ways your employee manual will remain effective.