JBM HR Consulting Inc.


More often than not, most of the issues that are at the core of management problems with address employees result because of inadequate, or worse yet, no employee handbooks.  Employee handbooks are the very basics to effective management.  Setting good policies, guidelines, compliance with regulatory requirements, employment laws and ensuring strong communication begin with employee handbooks.  When is the last time you updated yours?  If you have not reviewed your handbook in two years or less, it's likely to be outdated.

The other common issue related to handbooks is that many people have them but rarely review them or worse yet, not even realize what's in them!!  To me, it is far worse to have one that isn't followed than not having one at all.  Having said that however, both situations could set you up for significant challenges.

Why are employee handbooks so important?
Employee Handbooks:
  • Build a strong "management" foundation
  • Ensure compliance is clear
  • Provide strong guiding principles to both employees and supervisors
  • Strengthen recruitment efforts
  • Reduces likelihood of unionization
  • Reduces likelihood of grievances
  • Reduces likelihood of litigation at the same time, increases likelihood of success if challenged
  • Begins to address performance expectations
  • Should be the "go to" document for employees and supervisors to ensure proper compliance and handling of employee questions, issues

Communication of Information

  • Employee handbooks cover uniform standards for expectations, benefits, compensation...increases objectivity and fairness in handling employees

Handbooks require "regular" review

  • Handbooks are "living" documents
  • As employment laws and organization policies/practices change, so should sections of your handbook
  • Handbooks should be "customized" to reflect your mission, values, culture and "personality"
The review and edits of employee handbooks can be a daunting task. It takes time and ultimately requires legal review before distribution.  If you want a jump start, need to verify content and/or desire a sample handbook to use as a template go to HR Websource

Once the document is current, the most important part is ensuring all know how to administer the policies and practices covered in the handbook.  JBM has a webinar to cover this that should be reviewed to become comfortable with expectations of you as a supervisor/leader.
 
JBM HR Consulting Inc.
Too busy to focus on employee handbooks?
Common response, huge mistake. Find the best solution to addressing the very basics of developing solid management practices.  It will save you time later by approaching employee issues effectively from the start!
 
Having worked with clients as long as I have, I use this newsletter to highlight topics that will educate and remind leaders of the important role they have and the areas to focus on to ensure best practices for leading employees!  Being proactive will save you time, improve retention of quality staff and improve employee relations overall.  JBM is committed to assisting in ways that work for you and your financial restraints.  As a result, HR websource was developed.  This site provides the tools that every leader needs and was created to have resources available that are affordable to any organization. 
 
Warmest regards,
 

Jeannine Brown Miller, MA, SPHR President, OD Consultant
JBM HR Consulting Inc.
SAVE on this "do it yourself" website! 
HR Websource is a site that has tools and templates that make it easy to ensure proper documentation is in place.  The items in the packages are "word" based for your ability to completely edit to ensure customization for your organization.
There are webinars on this site that will guide you on "how to's" and best practice approaches to handling employees.
Whether it be employee handbooks, performance evaluations, disciplinary action/termination, hiring practices...we have all that you need to handle things appropriately.

This site is designed to be highly cost effective!  Check it out!