In many workplaces, employee handbooks and federal laws are treated as if they serve the same function. Both are associated with rules, expectations, and compliance, but they’re not interchangeable. An employee handbook is something you create. Federal laws are something you have to follow. Confusing the two can lead to unclear policies, missed legal obligations, and even liability.

This article breaks down the key differences between employee handbooks and federal law. You’ll learn what each one is for, how they interact, and why your handbook shouldn’t try to act like a legal code. By the end, you’ll know how to write policies that reflect the law without overwhelming your employees and how to avoid common mistakes that can trip up even well-meaning HR teams.