Employment Handbook: Purpose, What's Included
Jump to Section
Quick Facts — Employment Handbook Lawyers
- Avg cost to draft an Employment Handbook: $710.00
- Avg cost to review an Employment Handbook: $940.00
- Lawyers available: 91 employment lawyers
- Clients helped: 55 recent employment handbook projects
- Avg lawyer rating: 4.97 (12 reviews)
Do you employ people in the modern era?
The civil rights movement gave way to legislation and rules that protect people from discrimination based on race, religion, age, disability, or gender.
Fortunately, companies sought to achieve greater compliance and employee communication as a result. The employment handbook is an excellent solution for ensuring that you accomplish your human resources objectives.
After all, your employees are by far the most important resource you have.
Before typing up an employment agreement, familiarize yourself with the process. The informative article below addresses everything you need to know.
What is an Employment Handbook?
Employment handbooks are a written code of conduct that informs employees about rules and company culture. They can also be used to supplement an employment contract between you and your non-exempt talent. An employment handbook is a right choice when you hire and retain employees.
Purpose of Employment Handbooks
Employment handbooks serve to establish the rules and guidelines that employees must follow when working for your company. It can also help them understand what will happen if they violate any of these guidelines as well. A thorough, straightforward employment handbook can help you communicate these terms clearly.
The main purpose of employments handbooks includes:
- Communicate expectations and guidelines to employees
- Protect employee’s federally protected rights
- Reduce the number of human resources inquiries made
- Encourage compliance among managerial staff members
- Offer a document that documents your company’s values
- Protect your rights as an employer
If you employ people, then you must draft, review, and distribute an employment handbook. However, you should familiarize yourself with the critical components so that you achieve the best possible result. Otherwise, you risk leaving out key provisions that make your document less powerful.
What’s Included in an Employment Handbook
Employment handbooks look different for every company. Some companies choose to use a shorter, less explanatory document, while others will specify as many details as possible. Each option has distinct advantages, meaning you should speak with employment lawyers to analyze your situation.
These are some sections that are often included in an employment handbook:
- Section 1. Nondiscrimination policy
- Section 2. Communication policy
- Section 3. Compensation and benefits policy for new hires
- Section 4. Separation policy
- Section 5. Dress code provisions
- Section 6. Code of ethics policy
- Section 7. Workplace safety guidelines
- Section 8. Attendance policy
- Section 9. Acceptable use policy
- Section 10. Employee termination policy
The sections that you choose to include will depend upon your company specifically. For instance, you may offer a work environment that doesn’t enforce a dress code, which would nullify the need to include it in your employment handbook. Deploy a tried and true legal process when it comes to creating your employment handbooks.
Click here to learn about a Code of Ethics.
How To Create an Employment Handbook
It can be overwhelming to tackle the project of creating an employment handbook. There are several details to remember, which means there’s a prime opportunity to inadvertently omit essential information. Following a step-by-step checklist will help.
Here’s how to create an employment handbook:
Step 1. Decide How You Want to Start
Many companies already have an existing employment handbook that they use. In this case, you have the opportunity to review and revise the current language and design, but you could also decide to start fresh. New companies will need to start their employment handbooks from scratch.
Step 2. Draft an Employment Handbook Outline
Based on the sections that you want to address in your employment handbook, start with an outline. Take each distinct section and break it down into smaller subsections.
You will also need to consider how laws affect employment relationships, including:
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Relevant state labor laws, including break laws and leave laws
- At-will employment laws
If you choose to not address these laws in your employment handbook, it could result in employee confusion or non-compliance issues. Ensure that you address them in your employment handbooks.
CC verified
Step 3. Summarize Your Policies
Your outline now serves as a basis by which you summarize each of your policies and procedures. Your employment handbook should use simple, straightforward language that doesn’t violate an employee’s civil rights. Take care to emphasize the most essential provisions through an intelligent design approach.
Ensure that you go into detail when it comes to employee rights and obligations, including:
- Eligibility for benefits
- Wage payments
- Paid overtime rules
- Paid time off (PTO) rules
- Vacation pay rules
- Dress code
- Medical leave rules
Employees tend to refer to these rules more than others. By covering them comprehensively, you could effectively reduce the number of inquiries into your human resources department.
Step 4. Review Your Employment Handbook
Once you’ve drafted and summarized each section, your next step is compiling them into a single document. Incorporate any notes and changes as directed by crucial company leaders. Produce the first draft to share with your team for a final review, and take notes of any questions or additional changes.
Image via Pexels by Craig Adderly
Step 5. Contact Employment Lawyers for a Final Review
Employment lawyers will review your employment handbook for enforceability and compliance. This step is critical, which means that you should not skip it. Keep in mind that disgruntled employees can use your employment handbook as evidence against you in a legal claim.
Your employment lawyers will take the time to determine what risk you are taking by leaving the document as-is and what improvements you can make to ensure that you remain protected. Always follow through on your lawyer’s recommendations based on statutory guidelines.
Step 6. Print or Publish Your Employment Handbook
After finalizing your employment handbook with employment lawyers, it is time to publish or print your employment handbook. Many companies today favor electronic delivery since it saves a tremendous amount of money on printing costs. In today’s world, a digital format makes the most sense, but it is also nice to receive a handbook if you can afford it.
Step 7. Distribute Employment Handbooks to Employees
The next step is to distribute the employment handbooks to your employees. Make an announcement about the distribution regarding where they can locate digital copies or receive physical ones. You should also post your employment handbooks on company intranets to which employees have routine access.
Step 8. Update As Needed
Get your managerial team on the same page when it comes to updating your employee handbooks. Consider an idea bank or repository where notes can be made and stored until it is time to update the employment handbook, as necessary. Following through on updates is essential to managerial participation in updating employment handbooks.
Getting Help with an Employment Handbook
Getting help with an employment handbook starts by working with experienced employment lawyers. Your employment handbook can be a blessing or a curse. Hire employment lawyers to ensure that they actually help your company save time and potentially money from future disputes.
Employment handbooks reflect the company’s internal values and can make or break employee engagement for new hires. Get them excited and geared up about working for your organization by clearly stating your purpose and letting employees know how they fit into the bigger picture of your business. Employment lawyers will protect your rights and help you achieve a favorable outcome.
See Real Employment Handbook Projects
Nevada Review of 26-page Employee Handbook for health & wellness start up Drafting
- Nevada
- 4 lawyer bids
- $200 - $850
Ohio I have an existing EE Handbook originally drafted in Canada, I believe it is updated to reflect Ohio and US Federal law *now* but would like to have a review and recommendations offered as needed. Review
- Ohio
- 3 lawyer bids
- $995 - $1,999
Texas Review Employment Handbook and Develop Employee Contract Review
- Texas
- 5 lawyer bids
- $700 - $4,000
See all Employment Handbook projects
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
Need help with an Employment Handbook?
Meet some of our Employment Handbook Lawyers
Jason H.
Jason has been providing legal insight and business expertise since 2001. He is admitted to both the Virginia Bar and the Texas State Bar, and also proud of his membership to the Fellowship of Ministers and Churches. Having served many people, companies and organizations with legal and business needs, his peers and clients know him to be a high-performing and skilled attorney who genuinely cares about his clients. In addition to being a trusted legal advisor, he is a keen business advisor for executive leadership and senior leadership teams on corporate legal and regulatory matters. His personal mission is to take a genuine interest in his clients, and serve as a primary resource to them.
"Wonderful attorney! He was extremely professional, answered all of my questions and was patient with my complicated legal situation. Don’t hesitate to hire him."
Drew B.
Drew is an entrepreneurial business attorney with over twenty years of corporate, compliance and litigation experience. Drew currently has his own firm where he focuses on providing outsourced general counsel and compliance services (including mergers & acquisitions, collections, capital raising, real estate, business litigation, commercial contracts and employment matters). Drew has deep experience counseling clients in healthcare, medical device, pharmaceuticals, information technology, manufacturing, and services.
"Hired for a settlement contract to be written out in legal manner. Ammended contract as well to add clauses that we had not written.Efficient, professional. Said the time-frame would be about 4 business days and he did deliver on that in fact worked through the weekend and mlk day. Offered one final revision as well as a call to finalize language of contract. The final document delivery was more than we expand also he went above and beyond to deliver extra documents we may need. Would highly recommend."
Ryenne S.
My name is Ryenne Shaw and I help business owners build businesses that operate as assets instead of liabilities, increase in value over time and build wealth. My areas of expertise include corporate formation and business structure, contract law, employment/labor law, business risk and compliance and intellectual property. I also serve as outside general counsel to several businesses across various industries nationally. I spent most of my early legal career assisting C.E.O.s, General Counsel, and in-house legal counsel of both large and smaller corporations in minimizing liability, protecting business assets and maximizing profits. While working with many of these entities, I realized that smaller entities are often underserved. I saw that smaller business owners weren’t receiving the same level of legal support larger corporations relied upon to grow and sustain. I knew this was a major contributor to the ceiling that most small businesses hit before they’ve even scratched the surface of their potential. And I knew at that moment that all of this lack of knowledge and support was creating a huge wealth gap. After over ten years of legal experience, I started my law firm to provide the legal support small to mid-sized business owners and entrepreneurs need to grow and protect their brands, businesses, and assets. I have a passion for helping small to mid-sized businesses and startups grow into wealth-building assets by leveraging the same legal strategies large corporations have used for years to create real wealth. I enjoy connecting with my clients, learning about their visions and identifying ways to protect and maximize the reach, value and impact of their businesses. I am a strong legal writer with extensive litigation experience, including both federal and state (and administratively), which brings another element to every contract I prepare and the overall counsel and value I provide. Some of my recent projects include: - Negotiating & Drafting Commercial Lease Agreements - Drafting Trademark Licensing Agreements - Drafting Ambassador and Influencer Agreements - Drafting Collaboration Agreements - Drafting Service Agreements for service-providers, coaches and consultants - Drafting Master Service Agreements and SOWs - Drafting Terms of Service and Privacy Policies - Preparing policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries - Drafting Employee Handbooks, Standard Operations and Procedures (SOPs) manuals, employment agreements - Creating Employer-employee infrastructure to ensure business compliance with employment and labor laws - Drafting Independent Contractor Agreements and Non-Disclosure/Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation Agreements - Conducting Federal Trademark Searches and filing trademark applications - Preparing Trademark Opinion Letters after conducting appropriate legal research - Drafting Letters of Opinion for Small Business Loans - Drafting and Responding to Cease and Desist Letters I service clients throughout the United States across a broad range of industries.
"Ryenne was professional and very helpful. Her review of our agreement broke down the legal jargon into laymens terms and helped our team discussions for the decision making process ~ Thank you!"
Patrick O.
Patrick O.
20+ years as both a business executive and also an attorney, I create practical business solutions for legal issues. See Reviews: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EZ4MMM5Tc0hrfwtgl0TN5G7j0QcfYA4q
"Was able to answer questions and provide guidance in an effective manner, thanks Patrick!"
Charles D.
At DACC.Law, we deliver high-quality, practical legal solutions specifically for entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and growing businesses. With more than 25 years of experience, our firm handles everything from contract drafting and review to entity formation, deal structuring, and risk mitigation. Clients rely on us for clear guidance on regulatory compliance, navigating complex transactions (including multifamily, landlords, developers), resolving disputes efficiently, and protecting their business interests. We combine deep legal expertise with a hands-on, results-oriented approach so you can move forward with confidence.
August 23, 2025
Alexander C.
I am a solo practitioner that runs my own legal practice. I am currently licensed in 16 states and I'm working to expand that reach.
August 27, 2025
Walid T.
Walid J. Tamari, founder and named member of Tamari Law Group, LLC, is widely recognized as one of the nation's top litigators. In 2018, Mr. Tamari was one of only 25 attorneys in the United States to be recognized by the prestigious National Law Journal as a Trailblazer Lawyer. The publication features lawyers who have “shown a deep passion and perseverance of their mission, having achieved remarkable successes along the way.” In addition, America's Top 100 Attorneys® and the National Trial Lawyers have included Mr. Tamari in their top 100 Illinois attorneys lists and the Business Tort Trial Lawyers Association has also selected Mr. Tamari in its “Illinois Top 10” list. Further, for several years, Benchmark Litigation: The Definitive Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms has chosen Tamari Law Group as one of approximately 25 ranked litigation firms in Illinois. Mr. Tamari is also the past national chair of the Commercial Law League of America's complex commercial litigation committee, a committee comprised of attorneys throughout the nation who practice complex litigation. A distinguished litigator, Mr. Tamari represents clients in high-stakes and high profile civil litigation. He provides clients with result-oriented legal advice and representation in a wide-range of disputes, including claims relating to breach of contract, negligence, business tort and pharmaceutical liability litigation. Mr. Tamari has appeared on CBS News, NBC News, WGN News and Fox News and has been quoted in, among other publications, Forbes, Crain's Chicago Business, Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. Mr. Tamari also teaches entrepreneurship law at Loyola University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business. Committed to giving back to the community, Mr. Tamari has established scholarships at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and Loyola University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business. He has served on national advisory boards at Loyola University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation's Neurosurgery Council.
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for Employment Handbook Projects
Review updated employee handbook
"It was excellent to work with Danny. After the project started he was very quick to reach out and connect with my team member leading the project on our side. He was very thorough with his review, and quick with getting us the feedback we requested. I would not hesitate to work with Danny again for any future projects. Hire with confidence!"
ContractsCounsel User
Review Employment Handbook and Develop Employee Contract
"Jeremiah helped me review an employee handbook within health and human services in addition to employee contracts. He was thorough in his review and feedback of the handbook and brought up imperative points that were previously overlooked. Very satisfied overall. I would work with him again."
ContractsCounsel User
Review Employee Handbook
"Very fast turnaround time, thank you !"
ContractsCounsel User
Employment
Employment Handbook
Florida
Do salary employees pay for time off if office is closed?
My daughter is currently working for a Chiropractic Office in Jacksonville. She is still within her 90 days, she was hired as a salaried employee, if she works extra the pay is the same. However, due to an upcoming holiday, she was discussing her time off with another employee and how they would have several days off to equate to a long weekend. She was told that while they are closed that Friday if she wants to get paid she will have to use her accrued PTO or her pay will be deducted and she was told not to discuss pay, hours, or any such thing with her fellow employees to go straight to HR. From HR she was then told that they do not offer sick days so they must use their PTO for sick days and that it cannot be used for days off which does not make any sense to what was said before. So for days they are not open she is going to be getting money deducted even though it is beyond her control. She is 23, working her first real job and maybe I am wrong but something does not seem right. Is there anything wrong or am I just being a worried mother.
Forest H.
There is a lot going on here. A couple of high points: 1) It is against federal labor law to prohibit employees from discussing their salary. 2) Salaried employees can be required to use PTO but their pay cannot be reduced to cover holidays if they don't have any PTO available. 3) 90 days is irrelevant, many employers will have a "probationary" period but that does not affect what laws apply to the employee.
Employment
Employment Handbook
North Carolina
Employment handbook non-compete policy?
I recently accepted a job offer with a new company, and part of the offer was that I had to sign an Employment Handbook. This Handbook includes a non-compete policy that I am not comfortable with, as it restricts my ability to work with certain clients and organizations. I am concerned about the implications of this policy, and I would like to understand my rights and obligations under this policy so that I can make an informed decision about my employment.
N'kia N.
A covenant not to compete (AKA "non-competition clause," "non-compete clause," or simply "non-compete") is a special contract term often found in employment agreements. However, not all jurisdictions allow non-competes in employment agreements. Additionally, to be valid/enforceable, a non-compete must be narrowly tailored to a legitimate business interest. An employee who has concerns about the validity/enforceability of a non-compete, or about specific rights and obligations under a non-compete, should consider speaking with a knowledgeable attorney.
Employee Rights
Employment Handbook
California
Can my employer change the policies in the employment handbook without notifying the employees?
I recently discovered that my employer made significant changes to the employment handbook, including policies regarding vacation time, sick leave, and disciplinary procedures, without notifying the employees or providing us with an updated version of the handbook. I am concerned about the legality of these changes and whether my employer can enforce them without proper notification and acknowledgment from the employees.
Dolan W.
Hello! I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Generally, if you have a contract (the handbook or policy), then you are bound to those terms. If the employer changes the terms, they are allowed to; however, they need to give you some notice of the change in those specific terms in advance. This means that they should give you notice equal to the time between pay periods (e.g. two weeks). If they make a change, then it's not technically enforceable until you get proper notice. The notice does not need to be in writing. Good luck! Dolan
Employment
Employment Handbook
New York
Employment handbook family leave policy?
I recently accepted a position at a new company and I was given an employee handbook to review prior to my start date. I noticed that the handbook does not include any information on family leave policies. I am wondering what the company's policies are related to family leave and how they may affect my employment. I would like to understand my rights and responsibilities as an employee when it comes to family leave.
Gregory F.
Generally, employers must have at least 50 employees at your location or within a 75-mile radius of your location to be covered under the FMLA. Further, employees of covered employers are not eligible for FMLA leave until they have been employed for at least 1 year and have worked at least 1,250 hours within the past 12 months.
Employee Rights
Employment Handbook
Connecticut
Employment handbook overtime policy?
I recently accepted a new position with a company and was given an employee handbook to review. I was looking over the overtime policy and noticed that it does not appear to be in compliance with the federal and state laws. I am concerned that the policy could leave me in a difficult position if I were to ever be asked to work overtime, so I am looking for advice and guidance from a lawyer to determine if the policy is legally binding.
Thomas L.
Private contracts, including employee handbooks, cannot change state and Federal law. So in your case, state and Federal law control, regardless of what your employee handbook says.
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
View Trustpilot ReviewNeed help with an Employment Handbook?
Employment lawyers by top cities
- Austin Employment Lawyers
- Boston Employment Lawyers
- Chicago Employment Lawyers
- Dallas Employment Lawyers
- Denver Employment Lawyers
- Houston Employment Lawyers
- Los Angeles Employment Lawyers
- New York Employment Lawyers
- Phoenix Employment Lawyers
- San Diego Employment Lawyers
- Tampa Employment Lawyers
Employment Handbook lawyers by city
- Austin Employment Handbook Lawyers
- Boston Employment Handbook Lawyers
- Chicago Employment Handbook Lawyers
- Dallas Employment Handbook Lawyers
- Denver Employment Handbook Lawyers
- Houston Employment Handbook Lawyers
- Los Angeles Employment Handbook Lawyers
- New York Employment Handbook Lawyers
- Phoenix Employment Handbook Lawyers
- San Diego Employment Handbook Lawyers
- Tampa Employment Handbook Lawyers
ContractsCounsel User
Review Employee Handbook
Location: Kentucky
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Employment Handbook
Page Count: 94
Number of Bids: 5
Bid Range: $700 - $3,000
ContractsCounsel User