Why An Employee Handbook Is Critical After Setting Up A Company In Germany


A number of court cases have confirmed that after Setting up a Company in Germany, the business owners can help protect themselves against legal employee disputes by creating a published employee handbook.

An employee handbook or a policy manual is considered as one of the most essential communication tools between your company and your employees. By having an employee handbook and related HR Personnel policies created, every employee can receive the same information on the rules of the workplace. Handing such manual to each employee is important as they then know what to expect and what is expected of them. A properly written, up-to-date HR handbook is a must for all mid-size and small businesses.
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Effectively Communicate Your Workplace Policies

Regardless of the number of employees that have worked at your company, having an employee handbook or personnel manual clearly explains your workplace policies and thus is critical for your business. Effective communication is important as there are strong chances of misunderstandings when benefit plans are not explained properly or company policies are not provided in a consistent manner. Such misunderstandings can take a serious tone when they become a legal dispute.  Such issues can involve things like workplace harassment, discrimination, overtime and attendance policies.

Effectively Communicating your handbook may seem unnecessary because of all the extra work you need to do but it will have an additional advantage. It will make sure that you do not miss out on anything and no point is skipped.

Communicating your Workplace Policies puts you in safelight. Businesses sometimes feel that having a manual adds to the cost of employee in Germany, but in reality, it saves you a lot of cost by saving you from all the uncalled for legal trouble and thus creating a sense of security for you.
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Essential Components Of An Employee Handbook

Now that you know, HR Manual is important, it is time to start creating one in which you need to know what all to add. An employee handbook includes information on general work policies, orientation & training, employee classification, workplace harassment, attendance, personal conduct, compensation & benefits, termination of employment and internet/email policies etc.

It is also a good practice to get the manual signed by the employee while handing the same to them. It is also recommended that you have them sign an acknowledgement form stating that they have received a copy of the employee handbook.

Several policies, topics and sections you may want to include in your employee handbook are:

  • At-will disclaimer.

  • Standard Employment Practices and Federal employment laws.

  • General policies & procedures

  • Employment benefit programs and leave policies

  • Compensation and performance

  • Internet and email policies

  • Standards of conduct policies

These are the general points that you can include in the manual. The actual guidelines, policies, and topics you decide to include may vary from company to company. It would depend on how many employees you have and also the benefits you offer them. After hiring the employee, your company handbook needs to be the first formal communication you give to them. You can then create the whole orientation for them as you like.
Location: Germany

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