Employee Handbook Essentials Checklist

An employee handbook does two jobs at once: it tells your team what to expect, and it protects your business if a policy is ever challenged. Here’s what a solid handbook should cover, organized by category so you can audit what you already have.

Foundational policies

At-will employment language, equal opportunity statement, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policy, and a clear complaint/reporting process.

Time and attendance

PTO accrual and use, sick leave (matching your state’s requirements), holidays, attendance expectations, and remote or hybrid work terms if applicable.

Compensation and classification

Pay schedule, overtime eligibility, exempt/non-exempt classification basics, and expense reimbursement procedures.

Conduct and performance

Code of conduct, technology and social media use, progressive discipline steps, and how performance reviews are conducted.

Safety and separation

Workplace safety expectations, emergency procedures, and a clear explanation of the resignation/termination process, including final pay and benefits continuation.

One caution: handbook templates found online are a reasonable starting point, but employment law varies by state and changes often. A handbook that isn’t reviewed against current, jurisdiction-specific requirements can create more risk than having no handbook at all.