What is the purpose of an employee handbook?

An employee handbook serves as a comprehensive resource for employees, outlining the company’s policies, procedures, and expectations. It is designed to communicate important information regarding the workplace, including topics such as attendance, dress code, workplace behavior, and other essential guidelines that help maintain a professional and productive environment. By clearly stating these policies, the handbook helps ensure that all employees understand their responsibilities and the company's standards, thereby promoting consistency and fairness within the organization.

In contrast, while training employees on technical skills is vital for their professional development, this function typically falls outside the scope of what an employee handbook provides. Additionally, while sharing an overview of the company’s financial status could be relevant at a different time or context, it does not pertain to the fundamental role of an employee handbook. Promoting team-building activities is also important for fostering workplace culture, but such initiatives are not the primary purpose of the handbook.