Companies aren\u2019t required by law to obtain employee signatures, but it\u2019s good practice to do so. Ideally, you\u2019ll never need to prove an employee received and acknowledged your handbook. However, in cases of disciplinary issues or legal disputes, you\u2019ll be glad to have supporting documentation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your signature page or acknowledgement form should cover several important pieces of information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most importantly, your signature page should include language that acknowledges the employee received a copy of the handbook<\/strong>. This eliminates the opportunity for employees to later claim the employee handbook was never provided to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from simply acknowledging receipt, it\u2019s ideal to have your employees affirm they understand and will comply with the policies<\/strong> housed within the employee handbook. This incentivizes employees to take a closer look, knowing their signature indicates acknowledgement of the company\u2019s policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Signing a document can feel quite formal. That said, remind them that signing the handbook doesn\u2019t mean any guarantees in terms of employment. This is especially important if you and the employee are in a right-to-work situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to communicate that the newest version of the employee handbook reigns supreme<\/strong>. This serves to minimize confusion if, for example, outdated policies still exist in print or electronic format. Which brings us to the next piece of advice\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always note the date and time of signature collection. This confirms employees have seen the latest and greatest version of your handbook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s always good practice to include a disclaimer that the employee handbook is subject to change at the company\u2019s discretion<\/strong>. Here, you\u2019ll also want to explain that policy modifications will be communicated to employees. However, it\u2019s wise to remind employees that they\u2019re responsible for keeping up with the latest version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hopefully your policies are clear and leave employees without questions. However, it\u2019s good to provide avenues for communication so employees don\u2019t feel intimidated to ask for clarification about handbook content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember the ultimate goal is to build a successful employer-employee relationship<\/strong>. You do this by communicating expectations and confirming they\u2019re understood. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re all about creating culture-first content<\/a>, but signature pages are best kept simple. What really matters is that you convey the messages included in the guidelines section. Here are three examples of signature pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This example from Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools<\/a> reminds employees that the handbook can be modified at any time. At the end, employees are asked to sign to verify the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n I understand and acknowledge that this Handbook is not a contract of employment or legal document. I understand and acknowledge that the handbook does not alter my employment status or guarantee employment for any definite period of time. I have received the handbook and I understand that it is my responsibility to read and follow the expectations contained in this Handbook<\/em> and any future changes made to them. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This example from East Georgia State College<\/a> asks employees to acknowledge that the handbook was provided to them. It also conveys that the handbook is subject to change and encourages employees to review the handbook at least annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, employees are asked to confirm the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, I acknowledge that this handbook is neither a contract for employment nor a legal document. I have received the handbook, and I understand that it is my responsibility to read and comply with the policies contained in this handbook and any revisions made to it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a sample electronic signature page<\/strong> from the Acme Incorporated Employee Handbook<\/a>. It\u2019s especially <\/em>notable because, if you sign up for Blissbook, it\u2019s the default acknowledgement language we\u2019ll provide to you. Since the details of the policies are hidden under Read-More buttons<\/a>, employees are also asked to confirm that they\u2019ve expanded those sections to read the text in its entirety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The content of your signature page is what\u2019s most important, so you should start by drafting a signature page that includes the elements discussed earlier in this article. The sample signature pages can help you get started \u2014 and a quick internet search yields countless results you can use as inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The real question is how you\u2019ll present the signature page. We discussed several formats in our How to Create an Employee Handbook<\/strong><\/a> article, including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, knowledge management platforms, or specialized employee handbook software (like Blissbook!). The good news is that the content should be the same regardless of platform. Once you\u2019ve got the signature page inserted into your existing handbook, you\u2019re ready to go!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s common to include the signature page at the end of your handbook so employees can acknowledge they\u2019ve read everything prior to signing. However, you can also start with the signature page so employees approach the handbook with a better understanding of what\u2019s expected of them. If you start with the signature page, it\u2019s best to adapt the language so it merely acknowledges receipt of the document. People can\u2019t agree to have read\/complied with your policies before they read them! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Blissbook provides you with two options for signature collection: (1) employees view the handbook first, then sign when they\u2019re ready, or (2) employees sign first and explore the handbook content second.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Blissbook, there\u2019s a spot designated \u201cAcknowledgement,\u201d so you simply paste your content<\/strong><\/a> in the right spot and let the platform do the rest! With Blissbook, employees sign directly in the handbook platform, making it easy to track who\u2019s signed in the <\/strong>Documentation Center<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter what approach you take, the signing process should present no barriers. After all, collecting signatures is the goal. And you know what makes signature collection even easier?<\/strong> Automated reminder emails!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Signature pages aren\u2019t exciting, but they help fulfill your employee handbook\u2019s ultimate purpose \u2014 policy understanding and compliance \u2014 plus your documentation goals. They remind employers and employees of their shared understanding related to policies and expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we\u2019ve discussed the importance of signature pages, including best practices, samples, and recommendations for creating your own. An effective signature page can increase employee understanding and compliance with your handbook\u2019s policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n7 Guidelines for Creating Your Signature Page<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1- Acknowledges receipt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2 – Commits to compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3 – Is not a contract of employment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4 – Supersedes previous employee handbooks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5 – Includes the date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6 – Is subject to change<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7 – Welcomes questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3 Signature Pages for Inspiration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Example 1 – Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools Signature Page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blissbook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Wisconsin-Rapids-Sinature-Page-Sample.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nExample 2 – East Georgia State College Signature Page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blissbook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/East-Georgia-State-College-Signature-Page-Sample.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nExample 3 – Acme Incorporated Signature Page (a Blissbook sample!)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blissbook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ACME-Handbook-Signature-Page.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Design and Create a Signature Page for Your Company Handbook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blissbook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Collecting-Employee-Signatures.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blissbook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Acknowledgement-Icon.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blissbook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Employee-Handbook-Signatures.gif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n