No matter what size your business, an employee handbook is essential. Employee handbooks define company policies and list procedures for addressing employee questions and issues. Defining your policies and procedures up front will help your business run more smoothly and prevent conflicts down the line.

You can find templates online for creating a handbook, but if you go this route, you should have an employment attorney review it before you put it into use.

Some aspects of employment law change frequently, like paid time off, parental leave, and employee classifications. An HR outsourcing company or a PEO can help you implement and maintain a compliant handbook. These companies offer employee handbook templates and development as part of their services.