Confused About Employee Handbook vs. ePolicies? Seeking Advice on Best Practices

Dear all members,

I'm revamping our employee handbook and would like to post it on the intranet. However, my manager asked a question: would all employees, especially new employees, know all the procedures in the handbook? We then came up with a solution to change it into ePolicies and Procedures to cater to all employees, including new hires. Another question from her was whether we still need to keep a hard copy of the employee handbook. I am a bit confused about the difference between a Handbook and Policies. Can we invite new employees to visit the intranet for reading instead of keeping a hard copy of the handbook?

Thanks for your advice in advance.

Dear all members,

I'm revamping our employee handbook and would like to post it on the intranet. However, my manager asked a question about whether all employees, especially new employees, would know all the procedures in the handbook. We then came up with a solution to change it into ePolicies and Procedures to cater to all employees, including new employees. She asked another question about whether we still need to keep a hard copy of the employee handbook. I am a bit confused about the difference between a Handbook and Policies. Can we invite new employees to visit the intranet for reading instead of keeping a hard copy of the handbook?

Thanks for your advice in advance.

Dear Anilee,

An employee handbook is a ready reference that can consist of many things, such as who's who, company history, and dress code - an A to Z guide of a company. Though it has policies related to the job, a handbook cannot be replaced for policies/e-policies.

You can do two things:

First, prepare an orientation for new joiners. Make it in a presentation format rather than blah-blah stories. This will help you gather more information from a new joiner's point of view. Then include it in your handbook.

Second, frame specific policies. Take an undertaking from the employees if needed. Other general policies can be circulated on the intranet. It's also better to have a hard copy. Keep it as a master copy and circulate copies on the intranet.

Thank you.