Drafting Tips

As with all writing that you do, it is paramount that you keep your audience in mind when drafting an employee handbook. I cannot stress this enough. You are not writing for lawyers or judges. As such, be sure you write in a manner that is understandable to anyone. The employee handbook lacks value if it is not written well and understood.

Do not forget to include the disclaimer that the handbook is not a contract.

Use a table of contents, subdivisions, short paragraphs, etc.

Be sure to be specific, particularly when it comes to employees’ rights.

Keep all procedures, including those for employees’ complaints, streamlined and easy to implement. Procedures that are convoluted deter reporting.

Consider using visuals and video messaging or explanations.

I recommend reading other employee handbooks to familiarize yourself with them but do not copy them. Your client deserves a document that is custom drafted with its employees in mind.

Locate a handbook checklist. There are a lot of good ones out there.

Be sure you are up to date on all federal, state, and local laws that impact your client.

💡 If your client has employees in multiple states, what do you suggest doing?