If you’re here, it’s likely for one reason, welcome to the world of business ownership in the Buffalo NY region! Let’s answer that question up top early on – Yes, your small business must have an employee handbook. That, of course, leads to other questions – Why? What should be included? Well, let’s go over that. 

We’re going to explore why entrepreneurs, founders, managers, and other leaders create their handbooks and their benefits. 

Why Do I Need an Employee Handbook for My Small Business? 

The employee handbook can (and in many cases, does) save your company trouble by putting policies in detailed writing, and cutting out misinterpretation. When you hire new people, it gives them an expectation of your company’s voice and tone as you welcome them to the fold. It can even help in getting people up to speed quicker! 

Relationships are a lot easier when everyone knows what’s expected. In life, we don’t always get that luxury, but an employee handbook provides just that. They keep employees and employers on the same page on policy, procedure, and expectations. A good handbook is the starting block for good company culture. 

Employers get a way to communicate the mission statement, values, and guidelines through their employee handbook. Employees get a reference point for questions, policies, and procedures when it comes to their responsibilities. It also cuts down on confusion, since there is one reference document as an umbrella for every department. 

Benefits of an Employee Handbook for Small Business

Aside from keeping everyone on the same page and working towards the same goal, there are tangible benefits that you can gain from an employee policy handbook. Particularly in increased productivity and improved communication. 

The best employee handbooks bridge the communication gap between managers and staff. By outlining expectations for both in clear language, you can reduce misunderstandings and/or confusion in the workplace. It also gives avenues for feedback for all parties, helping to keep the whole company accountable. 

Not to mention, putting the rules and/or regulations in writing can increase productivity, too! Imagine all the time that gets lost in employees asking for clarification from managers. Now, imagine how much more gets done when the vast majority of those are trimmed because what’s expected is laid out. A well-crafted handbook can cover the employer for legal issues as well, giving your policies on discrimination, harassment and safety.

Creekside Business Consulting is Available to Help

Why do you need an employee handbook for your small business? One done effectively can give your business a bunch of benefits, beyond what we’ve outlined here. You need to ensure your staff knows what’s expected and having a line of communication with a written document as its basis makes that a whole lot easier. If you need a hand in your HR, reach out to Creekside Business Consulting by phone or with our contact form.

By having an HR consulting company to help you manage your HR needs, you access experience at your fingertips, only a call away. We don’t provide a service based on a widget or AI-curated guidance, we are your local, WNY HR help. We are here to guide you personally, provide tools and tips, and train you and your staff on any HR need you have. 

Whether this means providing a personalized employee handbook, or new hire packet, or providing training to help you maintain compliance in today’s climate, we can help you maintain a policy-safe and compliant workplace. 

Federal, State, and Local compliance is difficult to keep up with while managing a company. Policies laws and regulations are constantly evolving, and regardless of whether you are aware of each new regulation, you’re still required to abide by it. This is a major reason why many small businesses in WNY choose to outsource their HR to a trusted professional provider. We focus on your HR, so you don’t have to. 

By partnering with a WNY Small Business HR company, you also give your employees more confidence in seeing that you are taking the necessary steps to remain compliant and run an organized and professional company. Employee relations are paramount to any successful WNY small business, whether that means new employees or your longest-standing one. 

Maybe your small business has grown quickly, and you have too much to handle as a business owner. Maybe you’ve got too much to handle and it’s preventing you from focusing on growing. Either way, we’re here to help. 

Trust that Creekside Business Consulting can help you balance your employee relations, remain compliant, and offer confidence to you and your team to grow! Call or fill out the form below to speak with someone about your HR plans today!