Canada Employee Handbook - Top 10 Reasons to have one

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Top 10 reasons you need an employee manual. 

1. Acts as an addendum to employment agreements.
   The detailed terms and conditions applicable to all employees are best outlined in an employee manual that together with an employment agreement, form a binding contract. 

2. Employee Reference.
   Serves as a reference for employees to understand company policies and procedures, before and after they are hired. 

3. Employees feel safe & supported. 
   Employees feel as though they have protection when something goes wrong. For example: Anti-harassment and Bullying, Health & Safety, Mental Health Support, Diversity & Inclusion. Right to Disconnect, Privacy. 
4. Increased likelihood of employee adherence.
   If an employee signs off on conduct policies, they're more likely to take them seriously and adhere to them.  
5. Attract Top Talent.
   Top talent want to work for well-run companies. A professional employee handbook demonstrate to job candidates that your business is professional, organized, and well-run.
6. Exit Strategy. Potential investors/buyers' due diligence.
   Satisfies investors and buyers who look for companies to have established procedures and proactivity in risk-management, particularly regarding legal and HR-related issues provides a clear structure that can be seamlessly transitioned to new ownership, making the investment more appealing. 
7. Government Contracts & Business Insurance.
   Satisfies criteria for government contracts or criteria required for obtaining certain types of business insurance, for example, Directors and Officers (D&O) liability insurance
8. Protect your business against the NOTMIC. 
   Employee protection is implied by various legislated bodies and case law - even if not communicated to employees by employers. It's not the case for employers. If you don't communicate your conduct policies in writing, you're on your own when it comes to protecting your business.
9. Consistency, Fairness, Transparency
   Helps management make decisions that are uniform and predictable, supporting consistent treatment of staff, fairness and transparency. Your Employee Manual plays 'bad cop' for softer or inexperienced managers, and 'good cop' for more heavy-handed ones.
10. Compliance
    Ensures that your business is compliant with employment laws and regulations.