Employee Handbook Template – Editable Policies for Small Businesses

Give your team clear expectations and protect your business, without paying a consultant to write your handbook from scratch.

This editable employee handbook template covers the policies most small businesses need, written in plain language. Fill in the brackets, follow the built-in guidance notes, and have every employee sign the acknowledgment page.

What's inside (15 pages)

• Welcome & company overview: welcome letter, mission, values and key contacts
• Employment basics: at-will employment, equal opportunity, accommodations, anti-harassment with a reporting procedure, classifications and introductory period
• Workplace conduct: standards of conduct, attendance, dress code, safety, drug-free workplace, confidentiality, technology and social media
• Hours & pay: timekeeping, meal and rest breaks, overtime, pay schedule, deductions, expenses and remote work
• Time off & leave: holidays, PTO table, sick leave, FMLA, jury duty, voting, military, bereavement and lactation
• Benefits, performance & corrective action, and leaving the company
• Employee acknowledgment form to sign and keep on file

Built-in guidance

Gray guidance notes flag where state and local laws commonly differ, such as sick leave, meal breaks and final pay, so you know what to check. Delete them before you share the handbook.

Who it's for

Small business owners and HR generalists creating their first handbook or replacing an outdated one.

Format

Instant digital download. Editable .docx file that works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs and Apple Pages. US Letter size, printable.

This template is not legal advice. Employment laws vary by state and city and change over time; have an employment attorney review your handbook before distributing it.