Summary
Reimagine your company handbook as a powerful culture tool, not just compliance. Get 10% off new or updated company handbooks for Reverb's 10th anniversary!
Reimagine your handbook as a culture tool, not just a compliance document.
At Reverb, we believe your company handbook should do more than check legal boxes. It should reflect the heart of your organization. Think of it as your company culture and tool to empower employees, communicate values, and create clarity.
Here are 10 must-have elements every modern company handbook should include:
1. Mission, Vision, and Values
Set the tone from the start. Your company’s “why” should lead the handbook, grounding everything that follows in purpose. Bonus: this helps employees feel connected to the bigger picture.
2. A Letter from Leadership
Make it personal. A short welcome note from your CEO or founder adds warmth and reinforces the tone of your culture. It can be a powerful message of inclusion and shared purpose.
3. A DEIB Statement
Your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging should be front and center. Be specific about what DEIB means at your company and how it shows up in daily work.
4. Inclusive Leave Policies
Employees need time to care for themselves and others. A modern handbook should clearly spell out policies like:
- Parental leave, create a policy that’s inclusive of anyone in a caregiving role associated with a new birth, not just a birthing parent. Avoid calling it maternity or paternity leave to make it more inclusive.
- Paid Sick and Safe Time, especially in states where it’s required (like WA, CA, OR, NY). Note this list is not exhaustive.
- Bereavement leave, not just for immediate family but “all immediate relationships.” Read here for more on why this matters.
5. Anti-Harassment and Anti-Bullying Policies
This isn’t just about legal compliance — it’s about creating a safe, respectful workplace. Your policies should be clear, accessible, and reflect your zero-tolerance stance.
6. Code of Ethics
What behaviors are expected at your company? This section should outline how employees interact with each other, customers, and partners, guided by your values.
7. AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily lives now. Help employees understand how (and when) they can use AI tools responsibly and where the boundaries are.
8. Performance and Pay Policies
Transparency builds trust. Share how performance is measured, when reviews happen, and what employees can expect in terms of compensation and career growth.
9. State-Specific Requirements
If you have employees in multiple states, don’t forget the fine print. Include clear guidance for region-specific regulations so everyone knows what applies to them. Alternately, you can write the handbook to cover all states with one policy as long as you are following the highest level requirements across all states where you operate.
10. Benefits and Perks
Go beyond the basics. This section should include everything from healthcare and 401(k) options to wellness stipends and professional development budgets.
Ready to refresh your handbook?
We’re offering 10% off new or updated handbooks for a limited time to celebrate Reverb’s 10th anniversary! Let’s make your handbook something your team actually wants to read and use. Reach out to us at [email protected] if you’d like to take advantage of this offer.
