J. J. Keller® Compliance Network Logo
Start Experiencing Compliance Network for Free!
Update to Professional Trial!

Be Part of the Ultimate Safety & Compliance Community

Trending news, knowledge-building content, and more – all personalized to you!

Already have an account?
FREE TRIAL UPGRADE!
Thank you for investing in EnvironmentalHazmat related content. Click 'UPGRADE' to continue.
CANCEL
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Enjoy your limited-time access to the Compliance Network Professional Trial!
A confirmation welcome email has been sent to your email address from ComplianceNetwork@t.jjkellercompliancenetwork.com. Please check your spam/junk folder if you can't find it in your inbox.
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Thank you for your interest in EnvironmentalHazmat related content.
WHOOPS!
You've reached your limit of free access, if you'd like more info, please contact us at 800-327-6868.
Is an employer required to provide an employee handbook?
  • Employers are not required by law to provide a company handbook to employees.
  • It is considered best practice to provide employees with an overview of company policies and procedures.
  • If an agency wants to make employees aware of their rights under a law, they will require a posted notice.

Employers are not required by law to provide a company handbook to employees. However, providing the workforce with an overview of company policies and procedures is considered a best practice. During employee orientation, refer to the handbook as the company’s rule book. Provide contact information in case the new employee has questions about the various policies in the future.

While specific policies are generally not required by federal law, developing a policy may be a condition of a government contract. For example, federal contractors may need an equal employment policy.

Similarly, federal law does not specifically require employers to have a sexual harassment policy.

In most cases, however, where a state or federal agency wants to make employees aware of rights under a law, the agency will require a poster or other notice be placed in a conspicuous location, rather than mandate that an employer develop a policy.

For example, all employers must post notices about workplace safety as well as wage and hour laws, and most employers must post notices about equal opportunity employment, harassment, and workers’ compensation laws.