Staff Handbook
A single document setting out an organisation's policies, procedures and expectations for employees.
A staff handbook, sometimes called an employee handbook, is a consolidated reference setting out an organisation's policies, procedures and expectations. It typically covers matters such as leave, conduct, disciplinary and grievance procedures, health and safety, IT use and equality and dignity at work.
A good handbook gives employees clarity and managers consistency, and it demonstrates that fair procedures are in place — valuable evidence if a decision is ever challenged. It also supports onboarding by helping new starters understand how the organisation works.
Care is needed over which terms are contractual and which are policy that the employer can update. In Ireland, some procedures should reflect the relevant statutory codes of practice, and the handbook should be reviewed regularly to stay current with the law.
