One of the hardest things I had discovered running my company was drafting an Employee Manual. Also added to the stress was the fact that if you made a mistake someone could sue you and you might lose all your hard work and money that you had earned thru blood, sweat and tears as an entrepreneur. You will need an employee manual for your company to protect yourself; but where do you start?
Here is a sample Outline, I prepared for our franchise company, which can help you. After you have addressed all the issues in this outline you may wish to have it reviewed for legal clarity as the wording in a manual can mean life or death in a court of law. No matter how you feel about the issue, if you do not pay attention to the details in your Employee Manual you might find yourself in the poor house due to a vindictive employee with a ruthless attorney. Here is the sample outline;
EMPLOYEE MANUAL
I. HIRING PROCEDURES
A. Where To Find Good Labor
B. Grooming
C. Uniforms
D. Attitude
E. Promptness
F. Temp Agencies
G. Payroll Taxes
H. Worker's Compensation
I. Sexual Harassment
J. Pay Scales -Sales-Office-Washers
K. Benefits
L. Promoting
II. CONTRACT LABOR
A. Piece Work
B. IRS
C. Rentals
D. Expenses
E. Agreements
F. Non-Competition
G. Sales (Commission Only)
III. SAFETY
A. Operations
B. Set Up
C. CDL Records
D. Insurance
E. Claims
F. Slip And Fall
G. OSHA Standards
H. S.B. 198
I. Appeals Board
J. Goggles, Gloves, Boots
K. Industrial
L. Equipment Use and procedures
IV. MOTIVATION
A. Take Employee Aside
B. Thank Him/Her
C. Special Note
D. Letter Of Recommendation
E. Etc.
V. AWARDS
A. Deserving
B. Gifts/Scholarships ($100-200)
C. Certifications
D. Promotions
E. Raises
VI. REPRIMANDS
A. Documentation
B. Privacy
C. Actions
D. Deductions
E. Suspensions
VII. TERMINATION AND FIRING
A. For Cause
B. Lack Of Work
C. Quality Standards
D. Mutual Termination
E. Employee Theft/Fraud
F. Disclosure Of Secrets
G. Office Staff
H. Operations Procedures
I. Sales People
J. Firing
K. Referrals After Termination
L. Referrals Upon Firing
VIII. BUSINESS FORMS
A. Applications
B. Independent Contractor Agreement
C. Non-Competition Requirements
D. Etc.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs