Is your handbook written for your employees—or your lawyers? 

Hint: If it includes phrases like "notwithstanding the foregoing," you already know the answer.

Employee handbooks have gotten out of hand.

I recently printed out one client's handbook—all 244 pages of it—and could barely lift the result, let alone read it.

We get it—the temptation to address every corner case and question is strong. But if you go that route, you risk creating a document no one can use. The best handbooks I've seen rely on images, humor and plain language to set realistic expectations, convey the company's personality, and provide a framework in which managers can manage.

When creating a handbook, there are two ways you can go.

The all-too-common way

Include all state-by-state policies in one giant manual, resulting in resentment about differences in family leave, sick days, and so on 

Use text written (and only understood) by lawyers

Remind employees on every page that failure to comply may result in termination

Let ChatGPT write your handbook and hope for the best

Leave questions unanswered and employees scratching their heads

The Creative Workforce way

Provide each employee with a page detailing their own state-specific rights and responsibilities



Use plain, friendly language that reflects your company's culture 

Explain the disciplinary policy and overarching position once, then move on



Ensure that your handbook is concise, human and tailored to your policies

Respond to questions clearly to reduce calls and emails to HR

Handbook questions? Ask Hannah.

No matter how hard we try, some employees won't find benefit guides and handbooks useful. That's why our software partner has developed Hannah, an AI-guided chatbot that brings policies to life.

A simple query, such as "How much sick time do I get?" or "Can I wear flip flops at work?" returns a specific, friendly, tailored response.

Hannah is a cost-effective way to save HR teams and employees time by making handbooks more intuitive. Let me know if I can give you a quick demo.

Let's talk

If you'd like your handbook to engage and inform, or if you have question about anything HR, please reach out. I'd love to help.

Sue Brocaglia



Practical HR for Tomorrow's Workforce

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