In a matter of seconds, your new hires are going to make a judgement about your organization. Help facilitate a positive first impression by ensuring your employee handbook reflects your values, culture, policies and more!
To help you achieve this, we’ve compiled a list of positive judgements your employees could make about your organization based on the information listed in your employee handbook:
This is a cool place to work.
Companies that talk about their culture, history, approach to work-life balance, etc. come across as awesome places to work. For example; if your organization has a ping-pong table, or celebrates birthdays regularly, showcase these things! Team photos and quotes from employees are great ways to authentically demonstrate your organization’s cool factor.
We believe in work-life balance.
Organizations that are transparent about their vacation and break policies in their handbooks demonstrate that they prioritize work-life balance. For example; If employees are allowed weekly flex hours, or are entitled to overtime compensation, be sure to include this information in your employee handbook.
We value diversity.
Are employees entitled to take time off for cultural holidays? Does your office provide a space for prayer? Is there an opportunity for employees to demonstrate their cultural practices to colleagues? Outlining your organization’s hiring and cultural policies in your employee handbook shows that your organization values diversity and shows that you satisfy legislative requirements.
We have your future in mind.
What career planning support is available at your organization? Do employees have access to career coaching resources? Answering questions like these lets your new hires know that you have their future in mind. If there are opportunities to grow at your organization, your employee handbook is a great place to showcase a sample career path!
We take wellness seriously.
If your organization offers EFAP (Employee & Family Assistance Programs), be sure to include what they are in your employee handbook. Additionally, outline features such as; meditation rooms, mental health first aid training, healthy snack options, yoga classes and ergonomic desks to demonstrate that your organization prioritizes employee wellness.
We care about the environment / sustainability.
Organizations should outline their environmental/sustainable initiatives in their employee handbooks. For example; if your organization prints double sided, has gone paperless, offers green bins & recycling, etc., these initiatives lets your employees know that your organization is doing its’ part for a more sustainable future.
We care about the triple bottom line.
It’s important to employees to know that their employers operate with the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) in mind. Companies should include statements about CSR and philanthropy work in their employee handbooks to inform employees that these values are central to who they are and how they do business.
We take onboarding seriously.
Transitioning to a new role is challenging. Help new hires feel at ease by outlining the onboarding process, timeline and training available to them. Additionally, if your organization offers mentors to new hires, be sure to outline how this process works.
