Creating an employee handbook and a code of conduct might seem challenging, but it’s crucial for setting the stage in any workplace. In this article, we’ll clarify the distinctions between these two essential documents, helping you understand their individual roles and importance. An employee handbook is your foundational tool for outlining company policies, setting clear expectations, and defining workplace culture. It’s vital for ensuring that everyone is informed and on the same page from day one.

Similarly, a code of conduct is key to establishing the ethical framework and behavioral expectations within your company. It helps maintain integrity and professionalism, outlining what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Why focus on distinguishing these documents? While both are important, they serve different purposes and are used under different circumstances. Understanding these differences is not only beneficial for compliance but also for improving the effectiveness of your internal communications and governance. So, if you’re aiming to understand these concepts without getting lost in the complexity, stay tuned as we break down the specifics of each document, ensuring you can implement them effectively in your business.

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.

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).

Happy Leap Day Eve! Are you spending Leap Day in Anthony, Texas, the Leap Year Capital of the World? Come on! There’s going to be live music and dancing.

Since you’ve got an extra day this year, spend a little time reading 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: What are you doing to help those who are following in your footsteps? This week’s highlighted article reminds us how to pay it forward professionally (look for the ✦ below).

Happy Statehood Day to Oregon and Arizona! Oregon was admitted to the United States in 1859 (the 33rd state), while Arizona was a late arrival in 1912 (the 48th state). Who knew February 14th was so significant?

After you’re done celebrating Oregon and Arizona, take some time to peruse several of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: No, we didn’t forget what day it is. For all you lovers (and haters) out there, what better day to revisit your workplace relationship policy? You’ll be smitten with this week’s highlighted article (look for the ✦ below).

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).

Happy National Chocolate Cupcake Day! We know you’ve been counting down to this special day. But, seriously, National Chocolate Cupcake Day is apparently a thing, and a number of bakeries are offering specials. This day only happens once a year, folks.

Before you go satisfy your sweet tooth, 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: Do your eyes gloss over when reading your company’s values? By identifying why your company really matters, you can increase liking and unity in the workplace – and, in turn, engagement. Make sure your message resonates with employees (look for the ✦ below).

Are you ready to become one with the weekend? We are! Which reminds us (*terrible segue*)… We’re back with more original content. Our latest pop-psych article focuses on unity and its benefits in the workplace. And, in case you didn’t click now, you’ll get another chance very soon.

Before you make up a lame excuse to leave work to watch playoff baseball, spend a few minutes reading 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: No matter how busy we are, most of us make time for self-criticism. Why not spend that energy celebrating small victories instead? The BIG successes are made possible by the mini-wins along the way (look for the ✦ below).

Friday Fun Fact: Did you know that, 24 years ago today, Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripken, Jr. played in his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking a 56-year-old record? Yes, that means you’re 24 years older than you were then.

Like Cal’s 431 home runs, we hope we knock it out of the park with 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: Remember how we included original content in a previous Bugle and said we were too humble to make it the Article of the Week? This time we’re not. The featured article reminds us that sometimes we’ve got to give before we get (look for the ✦ below).

Whoa, August! Leaving so soon? It seems summer just started, yet suddenly we’re talking back-to-school, fantasy football drafts, and (hopefully) cooler weather

Finish your August with 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: Are you going to try to knock out that house project this weekend? Or will you knock it out? This week’s featured article shows us how simple word changes can impact our lives (look for the ✦ below).