The company I work for does not have an employee handbook that is given to employees. The employee handbook is online only.

13 Comments

1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 18,2024 at 12:36AM UTC

   How is it that different to look up something on line as compared to reading it in a paper copy?

   I think most companies have this information on-line now.

2. JB09718August 18,2024 at 2:56AM UTC

   I personally like online handbooks, easier to keep it updated and search for topics. As far as discipline goes, are you speaking from a management perspective or employee? If manager, you could just set aside 10-15 minutes in each regular meeting to quickly review sections from the handbook. (Maybe one meeting review PTO/vacation, another meeting review discipline process, etc.) If you’re speaking from an employee perspective, most places I’ve worked had you sign some kind of acknowledgment form that the handbook was at least received so if you’re trying to fight any disciplinary action and claim you weren’t informed it might not be a strong case.

3. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 3:16AM UTC

   Where do you work? I've never been given a hardcopy of an employee handbook. I suppose if you work outside or in the field and didn't use a computer you might need a hardcopy.

4. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 2:52PM UTC

   Prior to computers and online access, companies would hand out company handbooks. Nowadays everything is online. You should have access from your home computer or phone, so why is it hard to access?

5. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 3:11PM UTC

   Some have a hard time reading books online.

   My suggestion would be to ask HR if one could be printed. Or if they have a hard copy to look at, I had one in my office for such occasions.

6. AnonymousAugust 19,2024 at 3:17AM UTC

   I've worked for several companies with online employee handbooks (and printable versions available).

   You may also ask for Policies and Procedures (as some employers put this in a separate document). Depending on the company, some may give high level discipline procedures.

   What you're also talking about is whether or not these employers encourage reading the handbook, spend time reviewing it, use it for training, or even update it.

   I worked in HR for years. Please take time to read the handbook on your own. Any questions, ask your Manager or HR.

   If you're experiencing a situation, read your handbook/s, you may also wish to search online for HR guidance, state law, if you're part of union, etc.

   Good luck!

7. Janice MasonAugust 19,2024 at 1:07PM UTC

   I would see it online and print it out. That is what we do where we work. It may be 60 pages long, but it is printable.

8. AnonymousAugust 19,2024 at 1:25PM UTC

   It’s 2024. The reality is that most documentation will be digital. So long as it is accessible to employees, digital vs print doesn’t matter.

9. AnonymousAugust 19,2024 at 1:43PM UTC

   We did this at a previous company and I'm fully for it - especially given the constant updates. It in no way should make it hard for employees to know the discipline process.

10. AnonymousAugust 19,2024 at 2:51PM UTC

    Do you not have a computer. In this day and age you need to access documents online.

11. AnonymousAugust 19,2024 at 3:56PM UTC

    What a waste of paper, saddle up to your organization's search function and get familiar with it.

12. Megan LeasherAugust 19,2024 at 5:26PM UTC

    Sharing a similar sentiment of other commenters: I like online handbooks. I find it easier to keep them updated and search for topics. That way you can locate what you need swiftly.

13. AnonymousAugust 19,2024 at 8:56PM UTC

    As long as they have access to the online Employee Handbook, that is enough. It is not cost effective to continually print out new handbooks when there's a change or update.