Let’s dive into the ways you can manage misconduct with an employee handbook to better regulate your business operations.

What is in an Employee Handbook for Small Businesses?

Custom employee handbooks function as an all-in-one resource for your workers and can contain many important things like:

• General company information (e.g., details on company culture, mission statement, core values, etc.)
• Key company policies (e.g., code of conduct, sexual harassment policies, complaint procedures, dress codes, etc.)
• Information on employment law and employee benefits
• Confidentiality policy and nondisclosure agreements
• Job descriptions and expectations
• And more

When all the key information is in one place, your staff will have all the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to get their jobs done quickly and efficiently. The procedures of your company will be written in an organized format and provided to everyone on the team. This helps promote your company’s culture and establishes clear expectations for everyone. So, whenever there is a breach in conduct, you’ll know exactly which protocol to follow.

Managing Misconduct

When rules are broken, it can be unclear which actions need to be taken to rectify the issue. There are several types of employee misconduct that will vary in severity.

Instances of gross misconduct, such as theft or property damage, are causes for immediate dismissal. However, there are less severe forms of employee behavior problems that are not fireable offenses. These offenses will often vary depending on the nature of the company.

Whether it be repetitive mistakes or dress code violations, an employee handbook can help you navigate which actions to take as an employer. The staff handbook will contain a disciplinary policy outlining the steps you will take should any of your employees fail to meet the expected conduct standards. And since everyone gets a copy of the handbook, your staff will not be surprised when disciplinary actions take place. This will help you demonstrate that you're dealing with employees fairly and consistently.

Refer to the Employee Handbook

In your company handbook, you should have a section that contains examples of unacceptable work behavior. The employee handbook will outline the consequences for those unacceptable example actions.

This handbook should be provided with any offer letters so that employees have enough time to review your company's policies.

You can customize your handbook to your company’s operation. Whenever unsatisfactory behaviors arise, you can swiftly attend to the issue before it evolves.

Create Your Custom Employee Handbook With CourtSide^® Consulting

If your small business doesn’t already have an employee handbook, reach out to the experts.

Our HR professionals at CourtSide^® Consulting are ready to lend a helping hand. We can perform a top-to-bottom review of your entire handbook and identify all the essential updates and changes that your manual needs. With our support, your company will be fully prepared to take on the challenges of this next year.

Contact CourtSide® Consulting today to learn how our HR experts will update, refine, and improve your employee handbook for your small business.