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Employee Handbook
I need an employee handbook that outlines company policies, code of conduct, and employee benefits, tailored for a diverse workforce in Ireland. It should include sections on health and safety, data protection compliance, and procedures for addressing grievances and disciplinary actions.
What is an Employee Handbook?
An Employee Handbook acts as your company's complete guide to workplace rules, policies, and expectations in Ireland. It outlines everything from basic employment terms to specific procedures around leave, grievances, and workplace behaviour - all while following Irish employment law requirements.
Think of it as your organisation's playbook - it helps staff understand their rights and responsibilities, protects the business by clearly documenting policies, and ensures everyone follows the same standards. A well-written handbook covers key areas like working hours, annual leave, sick pay, dignity at work policies, and disciplinary procedures, making it an essential reference for both employers and employees.
When should you use an Employee Handbook?
Use an Employee Handbook when onboarding new staff to establish clear workplace expectations from day one. It becomes especially valuable during workplace disputes or disciplinary issues, providing a documented reference point for company policies and procedures that align with Irish employment law.
The handbook proves essential when managing common workplace situations like leave requests, grievance procedures, or performance reviews. It helps protect your organisation during labour disputes by showing you've communicated policies clearly and treat all employees fairly. Many Irish companies update their handbooks annually to reflect new employment legislation and changing workplace practices.
What are the different types of Employee Handbook?
- Electrical Contractor Employee Handbook: Industry-specific handbook with detailed safety protocols, technical procedures, and electrical qualifications requirements.
- Standard Corporate Handbook: Basic version covering essential workplace policies, leave entitlements, and general conduct rules.
- Comprehensive Enterprise Handbook: Extensive document with detailed sections on remote work, IT policies, and multiple office locations.
- SME Simplified Handbook: Streamlined version focusing on core policies, perfect for small businesses with straightforward operations.
- Hybrid Workplace Handbook: Modern adaptation including flexible working arrangements, digital communication policies, and remote work guidelines.
Who should typically use an Employee Handbook?
- HR Managers: Take primary responsibility for drafting and updating the Employee Handbook, ensuring it aligns with Irish employment law and company policies.
- Company Directors: Review and approve handbook content, ensuring it supports business objectives while managing legal risks.
- Employees: Must read, understand, and follow handbook guidelines as part of their employment terms.
- Line Managers: Use the handbook to consistently apply policies and manage their teams fairly.
- Legal Advisors: Review handbook content to ensure compliance with Irish employment legislation and workplace regulations.
How do you write an Employee Handbook?
- Company Details: Gather basic information like business name, locations, and organisational structure.
- Current Policies: Review existing workplace policies, procedures, and standard practices that need inclusion.
- Legal Requirements: Check current Irish employment legislation to ensure mandatory policies are covered.
- Industry Standards: Research sector-specific requirements and common practices in your field.
- Staff Input: Consult department heads about specific operational needs and practical challenges.
- Digital Access: Plan how employees will access and acknowledge the handbook, considering both office and remote workers.
What should be included in an Employee Handbook?
- Employment Terms: Clear statements on working hours, pay periods, and probation requirements under Irish law.
- Leave Policies: Details on annual leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other statutory entitlements.
- Grievance Procedures: Step-by-step process for raising and resolving workplace complaints.
- Disciplinary Process: Fair procedures aligned with Workplace Relations Commission guidelines.
- Dignity at Work: Anti-harassment and equality policies as required by Employment Equality Acts.
- Data Protection: GDPR compliance measures and employee privacy rights.
- Health & Safety: Workplace safety protocols under Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act.
What's the difference between an Employee Handbook and an Accountability Agreement?
While both documents set expectations, an Employee Handbook differs significantly from an Accountability Agreement. The handbook provides comprehensive workplace guidelines and policies, while an Accountability Agreement focuses specifically on performance standards and individual responsibilities.
- Legal Status: Employee Handbooks are generally not contractual documents but rather policy guides, while Accountability Agreements create binding obligations between parties.
- Scope: Handbooks cover company-wide policies affecting all staff, while Accountability Agreements target specific role expectations and measurable outcomes.
- Flexibility: Handbooks can be updated unilaterally by employers with notice, while Accountability Agreements typically require mutual consent for changes.
- Purpose: Handbooks inform and guide workplace behavior broadly, while Accountability Agreements establish specific performance metrics and consequences.
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