FMLA

What Laws Must be Added to Your Employee Handbook

Chances are you’re on the hunt to make your employee handbook a genuine guide that protects your team and your business, not just a snooze-fest of dos and don’ts. This ideal handbook goes beyond rigid rules; it’s a dynamic guide that reflects your company’s mission and values and supports your employees.

Why does it matter? Aside from shielding your company against legal disputes, a well-constructed handbook indicates that your company isn’t just going through the motions of legal compliance. It tells your team that their rights matter, they’re working in a company with purpose that respects and honors those rights, and it ensures everyone’s on the same page about what’s cool and what’s not at work.

Stick with us as we walk you through the required laws for your handbook, ensuring you’re ticking all the legal boxes while also keeping things approachable and relatable for your team of non-lawyer humans. Your handbook shouldn’t just be legally compliant; it should be a user-friendly resource that everyone in your company understands and values.

What Policies Should Be Included in an Employee Handbook

Your employee handbook serves as a guide for both new and existing employees, helping them navigate the company with ease. Creating an employee handbook may seem overwhelming at first, but we promise it’s worth the investment. 

To make your life easier, we’ve outlined the policies you should include in your employee handbook.

What Should an Employee Handbook Include?

Workplace success often boils down to clear communication, and your employee handbook plays a major role in getting everyone on the same page. Fostering a harmonious and productive work environment requires more than just a competent team. It demands a clear understanding of your company culture, policies and procedures, and expectations.

In this article, we’ll unravel the complexities of creating an effective employee handbook, breaking the process down into simple steps. So, whether you’re refining an existing handbook or starting from scratch, our practical tips will help you create a successful handbook.

Bugle #100: Kintsugi

Happy 100th Bugle! There’s just something special about the number 100. It’s the sum of the first nine prime numbers (2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19 and 23). It’s the total number of United States Senators. It’s the amount of tiles in a game of Scrabble. It’s how many Bugles we’ve carefully crafted for your enjoyment…you’re welcome.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, look at these awesome HR, leadership and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: Has social distancing driven you to a place of self-reflection? Rather than viewing your imperfections negatively, this Bugle’s Article ‒ er, Video ‒ of the Week might help you view them in a different light. Look for the below, you beautifully flawed specimen.

Bugle #98: Juneteenth

It’s Juneteenth, aka Freedom Day. On June 19, 1865, almost two-and-a-half years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves in Texas were officially declared free. Learn more about the importance of Juneteenth.

To stay as savvy as possible, take a look at some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: Sticking with the day’s theme, consider ways you can incorporate Juneteenth into your company culture. Though your workplace might look different this year, the Article of the Week can help you get a head start on Juneteenth 2021 (look for the below).

Bugle #97: What You Can Do

Welcome to Friday! Did you know The “Truman Show” was released 22 years ago today? You know what they say: time flies when you’re getting older. If you need an escape, consider watching it this weekend.

Before you call it quits for the day, take some time to read the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: You’re not alone if you find yourself feeling heartbroken and/or powerless. The Article of the Week includes some suggestions if you find yourself wondering what you can do to combat racism (look for the below).

Bugle #96: To-Do Ideas

The weekend is here! Ready for take-off? On this day in 1906, the Wright brothers received U.S. Patent No. 821,393 for their invention, “Flying Machine.” You can use your Internet Machine to learn more about it.

To help pass the rest of the day, take a look at some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: Still sheltering in place? Check out the Article of the Week for some HR projects to tackle while time is on your side (look for the below). If #1 catches your eye, we’re here for you.

Bugle #92: Found Time

Surprise! It’s Friday. We know the days of the week are a little bit shaky right now, but it’s Friday nonetheless. Typically we’d be in the throes of March Madness, but it seems we’ve redefined that term. Still, while we’re on the topic…

We hope you’re safely at home, but if you’re restless and/or looking for a way to make today meaningful, please consider donating blood, platelets, or plasma. The need is urgent.

While you’re donating, you can browse some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: If only I had more time. There aren’t enough hours in the day. Since most of us have an overabundance of time, how can we make the most of it? This week’s highlighted article gives us ideas to move past our FOMO (look for the below).

Bugle #91: Granddad’s Boxers

It’s Friday the 13th … and it kind of feels like it. We can all agree that anxiety levels are running quite high. As the seriousness of COVID-19 escalates, it’s important that we look out for each other; this is an “us” thing.

While you (hopefully) work from home, take a look below at some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks. But, most importantly, be safe.

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Article of the Week: Do you like to shop ‘til you drop? We figured we’d clothes out the week with something a little different. This week’s highlighted article features some anti-shopaholics (look for the below).

Bugle #88: A Quiet Mind

Happy last-day-in-January! On this day in 1930, Scotch tape was first marketed by 3M. At least that’s their story, and they’re sticking to it… Ahem.

Before you call it a week, take a few minutes to check out some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: You know that feeling when your brain simply won’t stop firing? This week’s highlighted article gives some tips for silencing the noise. Get a load of this monk-y business (look for the below).