Kurs i arbetsrätt 3. Under anställningen 3.7 Personalhandbok, policies och riktlinjer






Staff handbook

Staff handbook, policies and guidelines

The workplace bible

An employee handbook serves several important functions, both for the employee and the employer.
Firstly, it has a practical function by ensuring that all employees are aware of
what applies to important issues such as holidays, working hours, pay and benefits. It acts as a simple encyclopedia
to get quick answers on workplace rules and guidelines.

Secondly, a staff handbook has a labor law function. As a lawyer, one of the most important
questions often ask: "Does the employee know what rules apply in the workplace?"
By having a well-documented employee handbook, the employer can more easily prove that rules and policies have been clearly
communicated to workers. This is particularly important in labor disputes.

It is also common for employers to include a clause in the employment contract stating that the employee
have read the Staff Handbook and accepted the rules and guidelines set out therein.

What should be included in a staff handbook?

There is no exact rule on what a staff handbook must contain - this is decided by the employer depending on the needs of the business.
However, it is common for the following areas to be covered:

General guidelines and information

  • Working hours: Rules on fixed working hours, flexitime and breaks.
  • Semester: Information on how to apply for and be granted vacation days.
  • Pension: Description of pension solutions offered to employees.
  • Insurance: the employer's responsibilities and what insurance covers staff
  • Salary: How and when the salary is paid, as well as what applies to fringe benefits.
  • Benefits and health care: What benefits are available, such as wellness allowances or discounts.

Guidelines and policies

  • Certification rules: Rules for the approval of expenditure and invoices.
  • Representation: What applies to business representation and costs that can be claimed.
  • Work environment: Regulations on the working environment and how safety is maintained.
  • Alcohol and drugs: Guidelines on the use and prevention of alcohol and drug-related problems.
  • IT policy: Rules for using computers, email and the internet.
  • Gender equality plan: Information on the employer's work on gender equality and equal treatment in the workplace.

Policy and guideline complement each other

Policy

  • Objective: A policy is an overarching framework that sets out what an organization wants to achieve and how it approaches certain issues.
  • Character: Policies are prescriptive and often more static - they rarely change and act as a framework for decision-making.
  • Example: A health and safety policy that clearly states that the employer shall ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all employees.

Guideline

  • Objective: A guideline is a specific instruction or recommendation on how to practically follow and implement a policy.
  • Character: Guidelines are more flexible than policies and can be adjusted as needed.
  • Example: A guideline specifying how health and safety inspections should be carried out and reported in the workplace.

Summary:

  • Policy: Setting up betting to be achieved and the overall principles.
  • Guideline: Focus on how the policy will be followed in practice.

Therefore, policies and guidelines complement each other, with policies setting out the overarching rules and guidelines setting out how these rules should be implemented.

Tips for further reading