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Retail Employee Handbook Tips

Just because you only have one store doesn’t mean you don’t need an employee handbook. Whether you have one, five or a hundred stores, it is essential that you have a professional employee manual for your employees to reference and sign off on .

[tweetmeme]A few tips to creating and introducing an employee handbook to your store include:

1. Identify key federal and state law that apply  to your working conditions. This includes The Family Medial Leave Act, among others. Make sue you do not misquote or misstate anything that is protected by a law.

2. Have a disclaimer. The handbook is not intended to be a contract, but rather a guide to your specific store responsibilities and expectations. Employees should feel that the manual is meant to support them in their job, not push them in a corner.

3. Be concise and clear in your messages. If you are outlining the consequences of being late to work, be straightforward so there is no misunderstanding. At the same time, always keep your tone respectful and considerate of your audience.

4. Make sure all employees are tactfully introduced to the manual.If you present the handbook to them in such a way that they believe it is a tool to help them, you will receive a better response from it. Have a handbook accessible at all times for employees to reference.

5. All employees should sign off on the handbook. Make their “sign off”  fun but purposeful, too. For example, “I promise to smile at all customers who walk through the door and really mean it.” In addition, have them sign off on confirming they have read and  understand the details in the handbook.

Finally, if you update the handbook (and you should as your store policies change, technology changes, etc.) make sure your employees are aware of the new conditions. Have them sign a new confirmation and keep all signatures in a secure place just in case.

Look at the handbook as a tool to aid you in your management, and in return you will see a stronger partnership with your team. Now what are you waiting for? Don’t have a handbook yet? Get started!

Retail Minded is available to construct a personalized Employee Handbook for your store. Email nicole@retailminded.com for additional details.


Comments

  • Tim
    October 26, 2010

    What are the most important policies to be included in a retail employee handbook other than relating to federal and state law?

    • Nicole Reyhle
      November 8, 2010

      Tim, there are so many to consider! It depends on your store. Some examples include time off requests, employee breaks, use of personal items such as cell phones and pagers, customer communication, cash register policies and so much more! If you would like a consultation to help your unique business, please let me know. Thanks!

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