Stop Violence Against Women
Employee Policies and Manuals
last updated August 31, 2003

Employee policies and procedures can be critical in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of an organization. These could include policies and procedures on sexual harassment, discrimination and other grievances, as well as designation of the appropriate channels of communication for raising these issues. (Such procedures or policies may also be required by law.)

Concrete organizational policies, such as compensation or performance systems are also important. Such systems boost employee motivation by providing transparent and measurable goals and reward structures. MAP provides information on developing employee and organizational policies and procedures in Personnel Policies, including a sample list of topics that might be covered by such policies and included in an employee manual.

The organization's policies and procedures should be collected in an employee or staff manual. As explained in Creating an Effective Employee Handbook, a written manual communicates the organization's expectations to the employee. Such manuals can help management avoid employee disputes (and potential legal liability), and can often raise employee morale and increase retention. MAP, in Basics of Employee Handbooks, recommends that the board approve the manual and that each employee receive a copy. MAP also emphasizes the importance of training supervisors in the organization's policies and procedures. MAP's Personnel Policy Manuals is an excellent resource on employee manuals.

Finally, former employees may need a reference or other documentation of their employment. Further information on creating and maintaining a personnel records system, including policies or procedures necessary to maintain the confidentiality of personnel files, is available through MAP.

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