Havre Job Service Employers' Committee                                        Employer Resource Guide                            

Employee Handbooks

  Should I or Shouldn’t I?

Employers often wonder whether they should have an employee handbook or not. Putting together a useful handbook can be a lot of work.  However, keep in mind that there are a number of computer software programs available to ease the burden and there are consultants for hire to write your handbook. You can contact the Havre Job Service Workforce Center to schedule a time to create your own personalized handbook with software available to you.

One major area of concern is legal issues. Will you be able to keep your handbook update? Will you and your supervisory staff consistently follow your own policies? Consistency in following your own policies is very important concerning discrimination and wrongful discharge laws. If you don’t follow your own written policies, you are probably better off not having an employee handbook. However, keep in mind that even without a handbook, your employees can still file wrongful discharge and/or human rights complaints if they perceive they are being treated unfairly and inconsistently.

A well-written handbook can create a positive image for your business and can be useful as a consistent tool for informing employees about your philosophies, expectations, policies and procedures. Many times not communicating this information leads to confusion and hard feelings among your employees.

If you decide to write an employee handbook, seek legal advice before finalizing your handbook. You don’t want a document that will tie your hands or weaken a court case because of wording. Also be careful of the tone your words create. Reading a handbook can instill a sense of pride, trust and fairness or it can instill a sense of suspicion, and threats. Employees who feel they are treated fairly are more likely to be motivated and loyal. A threatening tone can “undo” any good you are trying to achieve.

Send mail to havrejsc@mt.gov with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: January 30, 2008                                                                             Web Hosting Donated by Montana In Touch www.mtintouch.net