A personnel policy manual

A personnel policy manual, sometimes referred to an employee handbook, is a written summary of certain employment information, highlights of benefits, and other details that help a new employee to become familiar with the workplace.

A personnel policy manual may describe information for employees relating to the organization's philosophy, a description of products or services provided by the employer, and a brief explanation of various employment matters, attendance issues, administrative details, safety and sanitation concerns, description of benefits, behavior control issues and other similar matters.

The personnel policy manual is typically given to employees at time of hire to help the employee become familiar with the job and the employer. A policy manual helps to answer the many questions that occur during the employment relationship. When employment information is defined in a personnel policy manual, the employee can easily refer to the manual when questions arise.

When policy and benefits information is summarized in advance and given to employees, management is assured that employment matters are handled efficiently and consistently. A carefully prepared policy manual or employee handbook conveys a message of the organization's professionalism to newly hired employees.