COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the course on Crafting Comprehensive Employee Handbooks. This course is designed to provide HR professionals with the essential knowledge and skills needed to develop thorough and effective employee handbooks that serve as a valuable resource for both employees and management. By the end of this course, you will be able to create handbooks that communicate important company policies, procedures, and expectations clearly and concisely. Each section will be complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
We begin with an introduction to employee handbooks, defining their purpose and importance. You will learn why employee handbooks are crucial for setting clear expectations, promoting consistency, and protecting the organisation legally. Additionally, we will cover the key elements that make an employee handbook effective and user-friendly.
Company information is the foundation of your employee handbook. This section includes an overview of your company's history and background, mission, vision, and values, and organisational structure. This information helps new employees understand the company’s heritage and core principles.
Employment policies ensure a fair and respectful workplace. You will learn how to outline policies on equal employment opportunity, anti-discrimination and harassment, and workplace bullying, providing a safe and inclusive environment for all employees.
The code of conduct sets the standard for expected behaviour. This section covers expected behaviour, dress code, and use of company property, ensuring employees understand and adhere to professional standards.
Employment terms and conditions clarify the nature of employment relationships. Learn about different types of employment, probation periods, and termination procedures, ensuring transparency and fairness in employment terms.
Workplace health and safety are paramount for a secure working environment. This section includes general safety rules, emergency procedures, and incident reporting, promoting a culture of safety and preparedness.
Compensation and benefits are key to employee satisfaction. This section covers salary and wages, superannuation, and health and wellness programs, providing a comprehensive overview of employee compensation and benefits.
Leave policies are essential for work-life balance. You will learn about various leave types, including annual leave, personal/carer's leave, and parental leave, ensuring employees understand their entitlements and how to request leave.
Work hours and attendance policies set clear expectations. This section covers standard working hours, attendance expectations, and overtime policies, promoting punctuality and reliability.
Performance and development focus on employee growth. Learn about performance appraisals, training and development opportunities, and career progression pathways, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and development.
IT and communication policies guide the use of technology. This section covers the use of IT resources, email and internet usage, and social media guidelines, ensuring responsible and secure use of company technology.
Confidentiality and data protection are critical in safeguarding information. You will learn about handling confidential information, data protection policies, and employee privacy rights, ensuring compliance and security.
Australian compliance and legal requirements provide the legal framework. This section covers employment legislation, Fair Work Act compliance, and anti-money laundering policies, ensuring your handbook adheres to legal standards.
Grievance and dispute resolution outline procedures for addressing issues. Learn about grievance procedures, dispute resolution mechanisms, and whistle-blower protections, ensuring fair and transparent resolution of workplace conflicts.
Workplace relationships promote harmony and cooperation. This section covers teamwork and collaboration, conflict of interest policies, and guidelines on personal relationships at work, fostering a positive work environment.
Remote work policies address the growing trend of telecommuting. You will learn about eligibility and approval processes, equipment and technology requirements, and communication and availability expectations for remote workers.
Environmental and social responsibility highlight the company's commitment to sustainability and community. This section covers sustainability practices, community involvement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
End of employment procedures ensure smooth transitions. Learn about resignation procedures, exit interviews, and final pay and entitlements, ensuring respectful and organised departures.
Miscellaneous policies cover additional important topics. This section includes amendments to the handbook, employee acknowledgment and acceptance, and HR contact information, ensuring the handbook is comprehensive and up-to-date.
Finally, the appendices provide additional resources. This section includes forms and templates, frequently asked questions, and additional resources, offering practical tools and information for employees.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the skills to create a comprehensive employee handbook that effectively communicates your organisation’s policies and fosters a positive and productive work environment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Employee Handbooks
- Definition and Purpose of Employee Handbooks
- Importance of Employee Handbooks
- Crafting Effective Employee Handbooks
2. Company Information
- Company History and Background
- Mission, Vision, and Values
- Organisational Structure
3. Employment Policies
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Anti-Discrimination and Harassment
- Workplace Bullying
4. Code of Conduct
- Expected Behaviour
- Dress Code
- Use of Company Property
5. Employment Terms and Conditions
- Types of Employment
- Probation Period
- Termination Procedures
6. Workplace Health and Safety
- General Safety Rules
- Emergency Procedures
- Reporting Incidents
7. Compensation and Benefits
- Salary and Wages
- Superannuation
- Health and Wellness Programs
8. Leave Policies
- Annual Leave
- Personal/Carer's Leave
- Parental Leave
9. Work Hours and Attendance
- Standard Working Hours
- Attendance Expectations
- Overtime Policies
10. Performance and Development
- Performance Appraisals
- Training and Development
- Career Progression
11. IT and Communication Policies
- Use of IT Resources
- Email and Internet Usage
- Social Media Guidelines
12. Confidentiality and Data Protection
- Handling Confidential Information
- Data Protection Policies
- Employee Privacy Rights
13. Australian Compliance and Legal Requirements
- Overview of Employment Legislation
- Fair Work Act Compliance
- Anti-Money Laundering Policies
14. Grievance and Dispute Resolution
- Grievance Procedures
- Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
- Whistle-blower Protections
15. Workplace Relationships
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Conflict of Interest Policies
- Personal Relationships at Work
16. Remote Work Policies
- Eligibility and Approval Process
- Equipment and Technology Requirements
- Communication and Availability
17. Environmental and Social Responsibility
- Sustainability Practices
- Community Involvement
- Corporate Social Responsibility
18. End of Employment
- Resignation Procedures
- Exit Interviews
- Final Pay and Entitlements
19. Miscellaneous Policies
- Amendments to the Handbook
- Employee Acknowledgment and Acceptance
- HR Contact Information
20. Appendices
- Forms and Templates
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.