The Employee Handbook
No matter the size of the practice, it is paramount to establish an employee handbook in order to consistently and fairly administer benefits as well as to lay the ground rules for employee expectations. The following is a high-level outline of topics usually covered in an employee handbook:
- Introduction: includes welcome, purpose, and what the manual is and is not
- Employment Policies: equal opportunity, at-will hiring, job classifications, and any probationary periods, if applicable
- Workplace Conduct: code of professional behavior expectations around customer and staff interaction, anti-harassment, social media and cellphone policies, confidentiality, and data security
- Work Schedules and Compensation: work hours, overtime, pay periods, breaks, meals, etc.
- Employee Benefits: paid time off, health, retirement, and continuing professional education
- Safety and Health: OSHA standards, if applicable, such as biohazards and sharps disposals, injury/incident/accident reporting, animal care and safe handling, and personal protective equipment
- Performance and Professional Development: reviews, career advancement, training, etc.
- Technology and Communication: use of computers, phones, the internet, email, and telemedicine
- Disciplinary Actions and Conflict Resolution: misconduct, grievance, and termination
- Employee Acknowledgment Form: confirmation receipt
The practice may choose to hire a human resources (HR) professional to help them create this document to be in conformity with federal and state laws.
