So, you’ve already heard me rant about employee handbooks. You know, those monstrous collections of do’s, don’ts, and “please don’t steal the staplers” that seem to multiply in size each year like rabbits on a sugar high. But wait—there’s more! Just when you thought it was safe to put your reading glasses away, here comes the Employee Policy and Procedure Manual, the Handbook’s more complicated cousin.
Audience: Who Are We Writing This For, Anyway?
Let’s start with the basics: the Employee Handbook is written for everyone—the new hire fresh out of college, the seasoned employee who’s been with you for 10 years, and even the manager who’s been there so long he has the break room coffee maker named after him. It’s the company’s welcome mat, explaining the general rules, culture, and what to expect on the job.
Now, the Policy and Procedure Manual? That’s a whole different beast. It’s not for your average employee (unless they’re the curious type who loves fine print). This manual is meant for the HR department, managers, and anyone responsible for making sure the company doesn’t end up in an episode of “The Office” gone wrong. This is where you find the gritty details—the step-by-step procedures for disciplinary action or what form to fill out when Brenda from accounting accidentally shreds an important document.
Size: Is This a Novel or a Manual?
The Employee Handbook should be simple and streamlined—ideally 25-50 pages. Think of it as the “beach read” of workplace documents. The goal is to keep it light and easy, like the guidebook you’d find at a hotel, telling you where the snacks are and how to avoid getting fired (just kidding… sort of).
The Policy and Procedure Manual, on the other hand, is more like a legal textbook. Expect it to be packed with regulations, instructions, and forms. It’s not for casual reading but for reference—your go-to when someone wants to know how to properly file an incident report in the event of a stapler-related injury.
Tone: Casual vs. Serious Business
The Handbook? Keep it conversational! You want your employees to read it and think, “Hey, these people seem cool. I might actually follow these rules.” You’re aiming for friendly, relatable, and engaging.
But for the Policy and Procedure Manual, it’s time to don your HR superhero cape. This is your “no-nonsense, let’s get down to business” document. It’s all facts, no fluff. You don’t want anyone trying to interpret it like a puzzle—they should know exactly what steps to follow without needing a decoder ring.
In Conclusion:
While the Employee Handbook is like a user-friendly guide to the company, your Policy and Procedure Manual is the detailed map that makes sure no one gets lost. Both are important, but trust me, one will be read far more often than the other. (Hint: it’s the handbook). And if either one starts creeping past 100 pages, you might want to consider cutting back on the legalese—or issuing a pair of reading glasses with every copy.
Keeping Your Handbook Up to Date
Keeping your employee handbook or policy manual up to date is always a challenge for organizations. It’s on every HR leader’s to-do list, but somehow it always gets pushed to the bottom—until it becomes an issue. Then the fire drill starts!
At My Part-Time HR Manager, we know how critical it is to stay ahead of these updates. That’s why we offer a comprehensive handbook compliance program to help you keep your handbook current and aligned with changing regulations. Avoid the last-minute scramble and ensure your handbook is always in good shape.
To learn more about our handbook updater program. Email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help you keep the fires at bay!
