An employee handbook, sometimes also known as an employee manual, staff handbook, or company policy manual, is a book given to employees by an employer.

The employee handbook can be used to bring together employment and job-related information which employees need to know. It typically has three types of content:

The employee handbook, if one exists, is almost always a part of a company's onboarding or induction process for new staff. A written employee handbook gives clear advice to employees and creates a culture where issues are dealt with fairly and consistently.

While it often varies from business to business, specific areas that an employee handbook may address include:

Revisions to an employee handbook vary from company to company. At many larger companies, a revised handbook comes out annually or at other regular intervals. It is recommended that handbooks be updated regularly as laws and regulations change.

New employees are often required to sign an acknowledgement form stating they have received, read and understand the information within the employee handbook and accept its terms.

Acknowledgement forms typically have additional content:

Failure of an employee to sign the acknowledgement form within a timely manner may prevent them from being hired or may result in termination.