How to Write a Policy Manual

A well-written policy manual can benefit employees and managers.

An employee policy manual is an essential tool for running a business. The policy manual outlines what is expected of employees, and provides a set of rules that employees are expected to follow. A policy manual also helps to ensure that rules are enforced consistently by managers. A good manual should address issues like workplace safety, dress code and employee theft. It is vital that you write a policy manual in the early stages of starting or running any business.

Instructions

1. Decide what issues you want to address in your policy manual. Important things to address might include vacation and sick leave, employee Internet use, safety guidelines and employee misconduct.

2. Compose specific policies and procedures for each issue you want to address. Policies are used to outline your business's general stance on particular issues. Procedures should be organized in a step-by-step manner and should explain how employees and managers should adhere to or enforce the policies outlined in the manual.

3. Combine the separate policies into sections. Use subheadings within each section to separate specific issues within that section. For instance, in a section on employee misconduct you would include separate subheadings to deal with employee theft and sexual harassment.

4. Compose a draft and distribute it to your managers and human resources department, if you have one. Ask for feedback and suggestions to make sure that your manual is as comprehensive as possible. Combine suggestions and edits from others to complete a final draft of the policy manual.

5. Consult a lawyer to make sure that your policy manual is legal and completely covers all important areas. This will help to protect your business from lawsuits against the inclusion of illegal policies or ambiguous language.

Tips & Warnings

• Include a detachable signature page to be signed and dated by employees. By having employees confirm with their signature that they have read the policy manual, you will protect your business from employees claiming ignorance of company policies.

• Update your policy manual often to make sure it is current. According to HelpScribe, this will help your business, "operate with greater efficiency and your employees will have a stronger sense of purpose."

References

• HelpScribe: Policy and Procedures Manual Template