Employee Handbook
A plain-English handbook for a small business: pay, hours, time off, conduct, and what is expected of everyone.
Good for: Small business owners who want one clear written set of workplace rules to hand every new employee.
Before you sign
- Many states require certain policies, such as paid sick leave, meal and rest breaks, final-pay timing, and harassment rules. That is why you choose your state first. Check your state labor department's website for anything that changed recently.
- A handbook is a set of workplace rules, not a contract. It says so inside, so you can update it when your business changes.
- Give every employee a copy and keep their signed page. Hand out a new copy whenever you change something important.
- If you have a union, a written employment contract, or more than a handful of employees, some extra rules may apply. This handbook covers the basics.
What this is not
These are standard forms for you to fill in, plus plain-language information. This is not legal advice and this site is not a law firm. We do not file anything for you or check your answers. Rules differ from state to state, so read the finished form before you sign it.