What Types Of Things Are In Your Company Handbook?
Business By ButtercupMama Updated 2 Sep 2010 , 3:08pm by CookieMeister
I am compiling a Company Handbook for my bakery; have been for a while. I have word docs so far with:
*Suppliers/supply lists
*General Managerial duties
*Dress Code
*SOPs regarding thawing, (requested by my health inspector)
*Recipes
But I feel all loosey-goosey. What am I missing?
I want an awesome, complete book here...what if something happened to me? I don't want to be the great powerful OZ! I want someone to be able to say, ah, that's right here in the book!
What's in your handbook? (not specifically, I mean, what types of things are covered!)
Thanks!!!
who and what to contact in case of various emergencies.
maybe where certain supplies and files are for emergencies.
here are a few more things you might find helpful http://www.business.gov/business-law/employment/hiring/employee-handbook.html
Have you thought about the personnel side of things? Not knowing how many employees you have these are things I've seen in a handbook my son was given.
Like:
Random drug testing.
Personal Hygiene
Policy concerning smoking on premises.
Policy concerning breaks and meal breaks.
Vacation/sick days
Job descriptions
I would put something about the use, or rather non-use of electroic deviced while working.
To protect yourself there should be a list of offenses that would result in immediate termination.
That's it off the top of my head. If I think of anymore I'll post again.
That's great you're compiling a Company Handbook especially for business operations if you plan to sell franchises in the future. Mine is more of an Employee Handbook, so I won't paste the entire thing here, and since you're looking for basic ideas to add to your book, it wouldn't hurt to consider some of these items:
Management Rights
Employee Cooperation
Employee Classifications: (Probationary, Regular, Temporary, Part Time)
Wages
Required Forms
Holidays (and eligibility)
Vacations
Sick Pay
Late
Absent
Leaves of Absence: (Definition, Funeral, Jury Duty, Military, Medical, Maternity, Personal, General Provisions.)
General Safety and Health
Driving and Company Vehicle Safety
Employee Titles
Employee Responsibilities: (Attitude, Appearance, Alcohol and Drugs, Conduct, Examples of unacceptable conduct)
Uniforms, Equipment, and Tools
Company Computer/Telephone Use
Promotion and Pay Raises
Wasteful Practices
Hope this is helpful. Feel free to PM me if you'd like more details.
Ask your insurance company. We had to add a company policy in regard to cell phone use while delivering. Do not forget your sexual harassment policy.
I'm trying to compile one too. Excellent post here; lots of great information and things I need to add as well!
I found this helpful - it is more franchise-orientated:
http://www.franchiseprep.com/docs/operationsmanual/OPS-manual-TOC.pdf
In addtion to an employee handbook.....must importantly the first thing that comes to mind:
MSDS binder (material saftey data sheets)
There are huge fines if you get dinged by OSHA for not having this!
Also, not sure about other states but CA requires a the State and Federal Employee Notices signage to be hung somewhere that employees have access to.
There has been some good suggestions so far....thinking and will post more when my brain becomes more focused!
Saving this. I have been considering this for quite some time. Just gotta get it done!
The HR professional in me says "yes, handbook! Have your handbook!"
But depending on the size of your business and the state you're in, you may or may not need many of the policies listed above. Whatever you do, it is important to either have an employment law attorney or an HR consultant look it over. (for example - someone mentions probationary employees above. ACK!!!! There is legally no such thing as a probationary employee! In fact, to reference a probationary period has been found by the courts to negate at-will employment, because it implies an employment contract - when you complete the probationary period, you have a job for life).
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