Model Employee Handbook

Many restaurateurs, especially those with smaller staffs and no full-time human resources personnel, are intimidated by the large task of putting their policies into writing and organizing them into an employee handbook.

The Model Employee Handbook is a guide containing information on various aspects of employment law and examples restaurateurs can follow in creating their own employee handbooks. It contains examples of policy wordings, notes of caution and additional information where appropriate.

Note: The model is only a guide and is not intended as legal advice. Because labor laws can and do change, WRA recommends that all employee handbooks produced using this model be reviewed by a labor law attorney.

The Model Employee Handbook can be purchased by WRA members for $35 for one or $60 for two. Non-members may obtain one by becoming a WRA member. Call WRA at (800) 589-3211 to order.

Table of Contents

Introduction

• Welcome
• Establishment history
• Purpose of employee handbook
• Employment-at-will statement

Employment Policies

• Non-discrimination statement
• Non-harassment policy
• Open door policy

House Policies

• Break times
• Code of conduct
• Discipline procedures
• Drug/alcohol use
• Employee schedules/time off
• Employee patronage
• Equipment handling
• Guest courtesy and service
• Holidays
• Overtime
• Performance reviews
• Personal appearance/grooming
• Personal phone calls/visitors
• Safety/accidents/injuries
• Smoking
• Tardiness/absences/illness
• Time cards
• Tip reporting
• Uniforms

Employee Benefit Policies

• Employee meals
• Family and medical leave
• Health insurance
• Vacation Employee

Acknowledgment of Handbook Receipt

Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees (appendix)