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Whether You’re an Employer or an Employee, Understanding Company Employee Handbooks in Malaysia Is Advantageous

Regardless if you are a small business or a major corporation, having a company employee handbook can be truly handy in a workplace. In a diverse country such as Malaysia with various races, ethnicities, and religions, an employee handbook becomes a crucial communication tool that outlines how things are carried out within an organisation. See more about Company Employee Handbooks in Malaysia below.

 

Company Employee Handbooks and Why They Matter

Customarily, new employees receive handbooks when they first report to work. In some cases, handbooks that have been revised and updated are handed to new and old workers in a company. The purpose of company employee handbooks is to:

1. Educate employees.
   As the name suggests, a company employee handbook is designed for employees to read and be aware of its policies, rights, and obligations as workers, benefits, rules, and regulation. In some companies, an employee handbook is referred to as ’employee manual’ – serve as a guidance and reference material for workers.
2. Helps employees to understand their role.
   Aside from having training and orientations, an employee handbook further clarifies their duties and responsibilities. A handbook prepares employees for their new job, day-to-day function, what is expected of them and how to fit in the overall organisation. It is vital to help your employees realise their full potential – this way, and it will increase their confidence in executing their work and maximising productivity at the workplace.
3. Protects both employee and employer.
   For employees, a handbook provides them with an array of information that includes their aspects of employees’ rights, where to file a complaint or report, and how procedures occur if something untoward happens. The use of handbooks standardises uniformity across all levels of management, deters favouritism and discrimination from happening. As for an employer, a handbook becomes substantial evidence against wrongful claims by an employee. Using employee handbook, employers can show that they have demonstrated reasonable care towards employees in the company.

 

Know What to Include in Your Handbook

The whole point of a handbook is to educate your employees about your company. It’s more than just a list of compiled policies. Here are some suggestions to add to your company employee handbook:

• The background of the company.
• Communication policies.
• Company’s goals, vision and mission.
• Work and attendance.
• Promotions and work performance.
• Benefits.
• Emergency procedures or contingency plans.
• Discipline policy.
• Health and safety policy.
• Business policies and procedures.

As for employers, it would be wise to obtain a written acknowledgement (that is not a binding contract whatsoever) from your workers. This action will ensure that no employee can use ignorance of the law as an excuse in the future. Also, on your part as an employer or manager, you must make sure that the employees thoroughly understand the handbook’s contents well.

 

Writing a Company Employee Handbook, the Right Way

You can create an employee handbook by referring to various examples, and templates found online. Keep in mind that company employee handbooks are not supposed to be ‘one size fits all’. Every company has its own set of condition and goals. Plus, depending on your company’s type of organisation, you may want to add in more policies. For a more polished and comprehensive handbook, you can always reach out and engage with a professional to assist you in writing your handbook!