What is an employee handbook? What is the point of it? What can be arranged by such a handbook? And how do you make sure that the employee handbook applies to all your employees?
An employee handbook contains (house) regulations and employment related rules and conditions that apply within a company. In addition, the core values of the company can be included in an employee handbook. An employee handbook applies to all employees and can be considered as an addition to their employment contracts. The employee handbook is also referred to as staff regulations, office manual, code of conduct, staff policy, or company regulations.
There are a number of reasons why you, as an employer, should use an employee handbook, such as:
An employee handbook contains arrangements applying to all employees. In principle, you are free to determine what will be included in the handbook. In such a handbook you can, for instance, regulate the following matters:
It is advisable to have employees sign for approval the employee handbook upon employment and to refer to the handbook in their employment contracts.
If your business has more than 50 employees, for establishing or changing certain matters in an employee handbook the consent of the works council is required.
Do you need help in drafting, changing or checking an employee handbook? We will gladly assist you! Please contact:
Employers can determine rules on clothing and appearance in company regulations. What do employers have to keep in mind when setting such rules?
Many companies do not have a works council, even though they should. When is it mandatory to establish one? What are the advantages of a works council? What are the consequences if your company does not have a works council?
Discrimination in the recruitment and hiring of new staff is not permitted. When do you, as an employer, discriminate during the application process, even unintentionally? And how can you prevent this, also if you use AI?
The government wants to improve the legal position of flex workers with a new law. What will it mean for employers and flex workers if the legislative proposal is adopted? What new rules will you need to take into account?
The statutory minimum hourly wage changes every six months. What are the new amounts as of 1 July 2025?
If a contract has ended, there may still be obligations you want your contract partner to fulfil, such as warranties or confidentiality. You can regulate this through survival clauses. What should you look out for when including such clauses?
