employee handbook and policies

Employee Policies

A prudent employer will prepare and distribute an employee handbook. A handbook provides clarity to employees regarding your policies and expectations. The absence of a formal handbook or policy manual or a poorly drafted one puts you at a disadvantage to defend yourself should you face a lawsuit. Numerous federal, state, and even local laws affect the content of policies and procedures to be included in such handbooks. These laws are discussed throughout HR Library.

Employers should:

Define who is covered by the handbook
Review existing policies and practices
Include relevant topics
Draft consistent, understandable and legally permissible employment policies
Review the handbook with management prior to implementation to obtain feedback
Submit the draft handbook to experienced labor law counsel for review

Employee Handbook Creator^®

An employee handbook is one of the best ways to avoid misunderstandings and ensure fair, consistent treatment of employees. Creating a handbook that complies with California and federal laws helps protect your business from lawsuits.

For more information on why a handbook is important, read the Employee Handbooks: A Workplace Essential White Paper.

Use CalChamber’s Employee Handbook Creator^® tool to clearly communicate company policies and set expectations in an employee handbook you create online.

The Employee Handbook Creator ^® is both Windows and Mac compatible, plus you can conveniently access it from your desktop or tablet.

These are some of the sample policies you may wish to include in an employee handbook. Adapt each sample policy to meet your company's needs and review carefully.

Policy	Description	Sample Policy
Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention Policy — Five or More Employees	Provide this policy to employees which states that you prohibit harassment, discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. A written prevention policy is mandatory for California employers. You must also ensure distribution of the policy to all employees.	Instructions English Policy Spanish Policy
Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention Policy — Less Than Five Employees	Provide this policy to employees which states that you prohibit harassment, discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. A written prevention policy is mandatory for California employers. You must also ensure distribution of the policy to all employees.	Instructions English Policy Spanish Policy
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy	A diversity, equity and inclusion policy can demonstrate your commitment to fostering a diverse workforce, providing the opportunity for advancement for all individuals and ensuring equity in the workplace for all employees.	English Policy Spanish Policy
Lactation Accommodation Policy	Provide this policy to employees which states your company recognizes lactating employees' rights to request lactation accommodation. The Lactation Accommodation Policy is mandatory for all California employers, regardless of size.	Instructions English Policy Spanish Policy
CFRA Sample Policy — 50 or More Employees	Use this sample to create your policy that communicates any employee requirements and gives notice to your employee of their right to California Family Rights Act (CFRA) leave. Use this version if you have 50 or more employees.	English Sample Policy Spanish Sample Policy
CFRA Sample Policy — Five to 49 Employees	Use this sample to create your policy that communicates any employee requirements and gives notice to your employee of their right to California Family Rights Act (CFRA) leave. Use this version if you have five to 49 employees.	English Sample Policy Spanish Sample Policy
FMLA Sample Policy — 50 or More Employees	Use this sample to create your policy that communicates any employee requirements and gives notice to your employee of their right to Family and Medical Leave Act (FLMA) leave.	English Sample Policy Spanish Sample Policy
Pregnancy Disability Leave Sample Policy — Five or More Employees	Use this sample to create your policy that communicates compliance requirements for pregnancy disability leave.	English Sample Policy Spanish Sample Policy

Employee Handbook and Policies

Employee Policies

Employee Handbook Creator®

Employee Handbook Creator^®