Hiring, HR and office documents
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.
C$15CAD
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- Instant download, nothing shipped
- Microsoft Word and Google Docs
- Damaged or not as described? Fixed or refunded within 60 days
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What's inside
- FILEHow to use this template: a step-by-step page for you, the owner (delete it before sharing)
- FILEWelcome message, mission and values, and what the handbook is (and is not)
- FILEEmployment basics: equal opportunity and accommodation, employment categories, probationary period, employee files and privacy, references
- FILEWorkplace 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
- FILEHours of work and pay: schedules, attendance, breaks, recording time, overtime, pay days, deductions, expenses, remote and hybrid work
- FILETime off: requesting time off, vacation, public holidays, sick and personal days, bereavement, jury duty and voting, parental and family leave, unpaid leave
- FILEBenefits and training, health and safety, technology and company property (equipment, passwords and security, monitoring, company vehicles)
- FILEPerformance reviews, discipline and complaints, and leaving the company (resigning, termination, final pay, returning property)
- FILEEmployee acknowledgment page for signatures
- FILEForms: employer checklist, time off request form, emergency contact form
- FILEEmployer 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
- DOCXEmployee-Handbook-Template.docx (editable, 23 pages, automatic contents page)
- PDFEmployee-Handbook-Preview.pdf (read every page before you edit)
- PDFQuick-start guide (PDF)
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.
