Employee Handbooks: Drafting and Revising Tips

Summary

This practice note addresses important items and best practices to consider when drafting and revising employee handbooks (also known as employee manuals). A well-drafted employee handbook reaffirms the nature of the employment relationship and states the terms and conditions of employment. Employee handbooks that are well-drafted, current, and legally proper are an aid for employers in defending against claims of discrimination, harassment, breach of contract, wrongful termination, and other employment law claims. A key component of employee handbooks is an at-will employment disclaimer that helps defend against breach of contract claims. Employers also should always secure a signed employee handbook acknowledgment from employees that demonstrates their receipt and acknowledgment of the employer's policies and procedures. This practice note addresses all of these issues and more in the following sections: