What is the purpose of an employee handbook?

The purpose of an employee handbook is primarily to communicate company policies and expectations. An employee handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for employees, offering valuable information regarding the company's rules, regulations, and procedures. It sets clear expectations for behavior, performance, and compliance with laws and standards within the workplace. This clarity helps to foster a consistent understanding among employees and management about what is acceptable and expected, thereby contributing to a more organized and productive working environment.

While training schedules, performance evaluations, and organizational hierarchy might be important aspects of human resources management, they do not fundamentally encapsulate the main role of an employee handbook. Training schedules may vary widely and be provided in different formats, performance evaluations are typically addressed through individual discussions rather than a handbook, and organizational structure is often outlined in other documents or training materials. The handbook's central focus is on establishing a clear framework of policies and expectations to guide employees in their roles within the organization.