You are a new HR professional at a company of your choice, and your first work assignment is to create an applicable, up-to-date employee handbook.

Step 1: Identify the company for which you work. This can be a company you've worked for in real life, a company you'd like to work for, a fictional company, or a company you create as an entrepreneur. You will want to have intimate knowledge of the workings of the company and the industry.

 -Complete the bottom. Modify (add and subtract) items as applicable to your chosen employer.

1:1       Welcome to Our Company!

It's our pleasure to welcome you to our Company. We're an energetic and creative bunch, dedicated to high standards of excellence and quality. We value each one of our employees, and we hope that you find your work here rewarding and satisfying.

This section introduces you to our Company's history, purpose, and goals. Please read it carefully so that you can better understand who we are and what we do. We think we are a special place, made all the more so by the hard work and dedication of our employees.

[Additional Clause to Insert Company-Specific Information—Optional]

[Because the text of this modification depends so much on the specifics of your company, we cannot provide you with standard language to use. Please see the main discussion for assistance in drafting this language yourself.] [End Additional Clause]

1:2       Introduction to the Company

[Because the text of this policy depends so much on the specifics of your company and/or state law, we cannot provide you with a standard policy to use. Please see the main discussion for assistance in drafting this policy language yourself.]

1:3       Mission Statement

[Because the text of this policy depends so much on the specifics of your company and/or state law, we cannot provide you with a standard policy to use. Please see the main discussion for assistance in drafting this policy language yourself.]

1:4       History of the Company

[Because the text of this policy depends so much on the specifics of your company and/or state law, we cannot provide you with a standard policy to use. Please see the main discussion for assistance in drafting this policy language yourself.]

1:5       The Purpose of This Handbook

We think that employees are happier and more valuable if they know what they can expect from our Company and what our Company expects from them. In the preceding sections, we introduced you to our Company's history, values, culture, and goals. We expect you to incorporate that information into your day-to-day job performance, striving to meet our Company's values in everything you do.

The remainder of this Handbook will familiarize you with the privileges, benefits, and responsibilities of being an employee at our Company. Please understand that this Handbook can only highlight and summarize our Company's policies and practices. For detailed information, you will have to talk to your supervisor or _________________________.

In this Company, as in the rest of the world, circumstances are constantly changing. As a result, we may revise, rescind, or supplement these policies from time to time. Nothing in this Handbook is a contract or a promise. The policies can change at any time, for any reason, without warning.

We are always looking for ways to improve communications with our employees. If you have suggestions for ways to improve this Handbook in particular or employee relations in general, please feel free to bring them to _________________________.

1:6       Be Sure to Check Out Our Bulletin Board

You can find important information about this Company and your employment posted on the bulletin board located at _________________________. This is also the place where we post important information regarding your legal rights, including information about equal employment opportunity laws and wage and hour laws. We expect all employees to read the information on the bulletin board periodically.

[Alternate Modifications—Select ONE]

Because this bulletin board is our way of communicating with employees, we do not allow anyone but managers and Company officials to post information there.

[End Alternate Modification A]

If you would like to communicate information to your coworkers, consider using the Company bulletin board. To post something, you must first give it to _________________________ for approval. Employee notices may remain on the bulletin board for 90 days. After that period, they will be removed. 

[End Alternate Modification B]

1:7       Get to Know the Folks in Human Resources

We are fortunate enough to have wonderful human resources professionals who are available to answer your questions, field your complaints, and make our Company run more smoothly. In fact, the policies in this Handbook often refer you to the human resources department for more information or to obtain help. The department is located at _________________________; its phone number is _________________________; and its email address is _________________________.