Shawnee Love   •  
March 16, 2017

When I get asked for my HR opinion on what small and growing businesses need, I recommend two things no matter what size, industry, and management style of the company:

1. An offer letter template, and
2. An employee handbook.

There are clearly many other tools, programs and systems that would benefit a growing company (a positive culture and employment brand, a recruitment pipeline which meets demand, and management training to name a few). However, the offer letter and handbook are the priority because:

• The offer letter sets the foundation and tone of the relationship and realistic expectations.  Too often I see excellent employees leaving within the first year and when that happens, unmet expectations are often to blame.
• A handbook clarifies the policies and procedures for staff and management.  Managers are happy for a handbook, because they don’t know what they don’t know and they want to sleep at night knowing they are treating employees fairly.  Employees appreciate handbooks because a good one will address many of the niggly and/or sensitive questions they don’t really want to ask their boss but would like the answer too.

Handbooks and offer letters are worthy investments early in your business, because clear expectations and a consistent approach to management create a sound foundation for growth.  Have you got yours?