Employee Handbook Template (Word)

Employee handbook template for a small business: 23 pages of plain-English policies already written for you in an editable Word document. Fill in the [brackets] with your company name, rules and numbers, delete what you don't use, and hand it out with the signature page.

WHAT'S INSIDE

• How to use this template: a step-by-step page for you, the owner (delete it before sharing)
• Welcome message, mission and values, and what the handbook is (and is not)
• Employment basics: equal opportunity and accommodation, employment categories, probationary period, employee files and privacy, references
• Workplace conduct: code of conduct, respectful workplace and harassment reporting with no retaliation, conflicts of interest, confidential information, dress, phones, social media, alcohol, drugs and cannabis, smoking and vaping, workplace violence
• Hours of work and pay: schedules, attendance, breaks, recording time, overtime, pay days, deductions, expenses, remote and hybrid work
• Time off: requesting time off, vacation, public holidays, sick and personal days, bereavement, jury duty and voting, parental and family leave, unpaid leave
• Benefits and training, health and safety, technology and company property (equipment, passwords and security, monitoring, company vehicles)
• Performance reviews, discipline and complaints, and leaving the company (resigning, termination, final pay, returning property)
• Employee acknowledgment page for signatures
• Forms: employer checklist, time off request form, emergency contact form
• Employer notes in italics point out where the law in your province, state or country sets the rules (vacation, holidays, overtime, breaks, leave, final pay, termination), so you know what to check

WHAT YOU GET

• Employee-Handbook-Template.docx (editable, 23 pages, automatic contents page)
• Employee-Handbook-Preview.pdf (read every page before you edit)
• Quick-start guide (PDF)

HOW YOU GET IT

Digital download. After checkout you get a download page right away, plus a receipt by email. Nothing is shipped.

COMPATIBILITY

• Microsoft Word (.docx), on Windows, Mac or Word for the web
• Google Docs: upload the .docx to Google Drive and open it (File > Save as Google Docs for a native copy)
• LibreOffice Writer
• Needs a computer or tablet with a word processor. This is a document template, not HR software

GOOD FOR

Small business owners, office managers and founders hiring their first employees who want a complete, professional handbook without starting from a blank page.

PLEASE NOTE

• This is a template, not legal advice. Employment law is different in every country, province and state: fill in the rules that apply to you and have your final version reviewed by an employment lawyer or HR professional
• Written in plain English for businesses in Canada, the US and elsewhere; it does not cover any one jurisdiction's specific requirements
• For use within your own business; please don't resell or share the files

DISCLAIMER

This template is a planning tool and does not replace advice from a qualified or licensed professional (such as an accountant, financial advisor, lawyer or certified tradesperson). Check the results before you rely on them.

HOW IT WAS MADE

Designed by VARS Digital with AI-assisted tools. Every page is checked before release, and the preview PDF shows every page.

QUESTIONS

Email varsdigitals@gmail.com and we'll help you get set up.