What clauses should my employee handbook contain?
Employers in Georgia should develop a thorough employee handbook that sets out in writing the policies of the business, expectations of employees, employee benefits, and much more. Your handbook can provide an excellent introduction to the core values and mission of the business, while outlining vital rules regarding workplace code of conduct. While all employee handbooks are unique, your Georgia employee handbook will likely include the following features:
A welcome statement: Consider starting off your employee handbook with an introduction to the company and an outline as to the content of the material to come. Your welcome statement should excite a new employee about working for the company and offer the employee guidance as to what the employee handbook will discuss.
Define the employee relationship: You should describe the nature of the employment relationship between you and the employee within one of the first sections of the guidebook. Most employees will be at-will, which means that you as the employer are not guaranteeing employment for any period of time and can terminate the employment at-will.
Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policy: Within your handbook, you should set out your company’s stance against harassment or discrimination of employees. You should define the company’s commitment to maintaining a fair, equal employment workplace and provide employees with clear instructions for how and to whom to report any instances of harassment or discrimination.
Wage and leave policies: Define your method of compensation, including how pay periods are structured and whether overtime is compensated. Explain whether employees are entitled to daily breaks and further set out what forms of leave are available to employees, including sick leave and maternity leave.
Employee conduct: Inform employees as to what conduct is expected in the workplace and what actions may give rise to discipline, including tardiness, unacceptable attire, and absenteeism. Define your company drug policy and provide examples of some forms of behavior that could result in termination.
Your employee handbook will serve as an important tool to protect your company. Contact an employment law attorney for more assistance with drafting your comprehensive employee handbook today.