| If you have ever worked for a large company | | | | should also be included. You are trying to tell your |
| you've no doubt were given a copy of their | | | | employee the work you expect of them. But, be |
| policies and procedures when you were first hired. | | | | sure to include a phrase such as will include, but |
| Even a small business should have their policies | | | | not be limited to, when referring to duties. Rarely, |
| and procedures in printed form. | | | | in a small business is the job description of any |
| Employees need to know what is expected. For | | | | employee totally cut and dried. Variables and the |
| example if you want the telephone always | | | | unexpected or exceptional always exist. |
| answered by the name of the company that is a | | | | Even if you only have one or two employees it is |
| policy. If you do not want your employees to | | | | wise to have policies and procedures in written |
| wear blue jeans to work, that is a company | | | | form. You might include hours of operation, days |
| policy. What you expect of the employee and | | | | of the week and whether you pay overtime, or |
| what the employee can expect of you are | | | | offer compensation time. |
| reasonable inclusions in an employee handbook. | | | | If there is conduct you wish prohibited this should |
| Small business owners should always explain the | | | | be spelled out. For example if you wish a no |
| status of employment of their employees. Most | | | | smoking office, say so. What is your drug and |
| will probably utilize employment at will. This means | | | | alcohol policy? Does it need to be stated? Do you |
| employees may be terminated for any reason | | | | have a confidentiality clause, or a non-competition |
| with or without cause, and with or without notice, | | | | statement? |
| at any time by the employee or by management. | | | | The policies and procedures do not have to be |
| Also, it might be stated that management | | | | lengthy or complicated. They are simply the |
| reserves the right to discipline, adjust and reassign | | | | understanding between you the employer and |
| job responsibilities or decreased wages of the | | | | your employees. They can often prevent |
| employee at any time with or without notice and | | | | problems from occurring. And, certainly they avoid |
| at its sole discretion. | | | | misunderstandings. |
| If the company offers any employee benefits it is | | | | And, don't forget to have your employee to sign |
| wise to include them in the company handbook. | | | | a statement that they have read and understand |
| Job descriptions and employment obligations | | | | these papers. |