Employee Handbook Policy Models for Businesses

It is important that every business have an employment policy manual/handbook available to their employees. This helps keep everyone on the same page and held to the same standards. 

The following model labor and employment policies are offered to assist employers that are composing their own business-specific employee handbooks. Employers can choose the policies that are applicable to their business, fit their workforce, and use as needed. For instance, FMLA only applies to employers with 50 or more employees, so you may not need an FMLA policy.

These policies were developed to assist employers and employees in better understanding and complying with labor and employment laws and regulations. Employers can copy and paste the model policies that they would like to add to their existing Employee Handbooks or to create their own Employee Handbooks.

When protesting a claim for unemployment benefits on the basis that the claimant was discharged for violating a company policy, the employer must provide details on how the claimant’s actions or failure to act violated which specific policy. Note that policies prohibiting mistakes, accidents, poor workmanship or bad judgment may not provide a sufficient basis for protesting unemployment benefits.

If you have any questions regarding the use of these handbook policy models, please call 573-522-1020.

DISCLAIMER: This selection of sample policies is for general information only – it is not intended as legal advice. Neither the State of Missouri nor its employees make any express or implicit warranty regarding the sufficiency, accuracy or completeness of the enclosed material. There is no requirement to follow this sample, and its use does not guarantee compliance with Missouri statutes. We encourage employers to obtain independent legal review before implementing any written policies. 

Policy Models Include: 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

  • Workplace Harassment
  • EEO Grievance Procedure
  • Reasonable Accommodation of Disabilities or Medical Conditions
  • Pregnancy and Maternity Leave
  • Lactation Accommodation
  • Religious Accommodation

Hours of Work, Compensation and Time Off

  • Attendance
  • Work Schedules and Breaks
  • Overtime
  • Time Off
  • Holidays
  • Vacation
  • Sick Leave
  • ​Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Military Leave
  • Pay Periods

Workplace Health and Safety

  • Reporting of Hazards, Injuries or Near-Misses
  • Workers' Compensation Coverage of Workplace Accidents and Injuries
  • Workplace Emergencies
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Workplace Violence
  • Driving Safety
  • Material Handling
  • Lockout Tagout (LOTO)
  • Tobacco Usage
  • Drug and Alcohol Usage
  • Weapons

Company Property, Computer Usage and Social Media

Code of Conduct

  • Retaliation

Discipline

Termination and Resignation

Employee Acknowledgement