What's the Difference Between an Employee Handbook and HR Policies? Seeking Clarity as an HR Trainee

I work for an IT firm as an HR trainee. I want to know what the difference is between an employee handbook and HR policies.

Understanding the Difference Between Employee Handbook and HR Policies

Employee Handbook and HR Policies are similar to some extent. In the Employee Handbook, the Vision/Mission Statement and all policies related to employees are mentioned, such as the Leave Policy, Code of Conduct, Employee Grooming, etc.

In HR Policies, it includes all policies related to the HR Department, such as HR Strategies, Selection Process/Procedure, Appointment/Confirmation/Termination/Resignation Procedures, Induction Process, Orientation Process, Training & Development of Employees, Performance Appraisals, etc.

This does not mean that the policies of the Employee Handbook cannot be considered as HR Policies. Seniors, please advise.

HR Policies and Employee Handbook

HR policies are detailed. The HR Handbook contains brief details about HR policies to inform employees of the benefits they are eligible for after joining.

Regards,
D. Gurumurthy
HR & IR Consultant
Hyderabad.

An Employee Handbook contains some general, unchangeable HR norms and organizational HR policies. However, HR policies do not solely belong to a particular handbook. HR policies are based on logic and justifications, while an Employee Handbook can be modified according to the changing needs of the organization, provided it does not neglect HR ethics.

I understand your question and the reason behind it. Every organization prefers to include points that are in favor of the organization, points that can engage the employees. It is not possible to define everything related to each subject, as there are some diplomatic HR points that cannot be mentioned in a handbook. General points include:

- Selection procedures
- Appointment and termination policies
- Promotion and increment principles
- Attendance, salary, leaves, public holidays of the specific period
- Salary structures, bonuses, gratuities
- Probation, job confirmation, notice periods
- Safety and personal hygiene tips
- Performance evaluation procedures
- Penalties
- Department-wise Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
- Details of Heads of Departments (HODs) and employees for the specific period
- Positive and productive tips
- Information about the organization and physical descriptions
- Quality policies and ambitions
- Products and clients
- Internal administrative policies
- Everything relevant to the organization that employees should know

Thank you.