⚠️ This is only a preview. ⚠️ To gain full access, purchase the template here: Get Company OS + Wiki

<aside> <img src="/icons/info-alternate_gray.svg" alt="/icons/info-alternate_gray.svg" width="40px" />

The employee handbook outlines the key policies, expectations, and standards that guide everyday work. It helps team members understand how the company operates, what is expected of them, and where to find essential information.

</aside>

Overview

Mission, Vision, Values

Core Policies

Announcements

How We Work

Work Guidelines

Processes (SOPs)

Meeting Schedule

People

Onboarding Guide

Employee Handbook

Team Directory

Product

Product Docs

Roadmap

Support / FAQs

Sales & Marketing

Brand Messaging

Customer Personas

Campaigns / Playbooks

Knowledge Base

Employee Handbook

1. Roles & Responsibilities

2. Hiring Process

3. Compensation Philosophy

4. PTO & Leave Guidelines

5. Time Tracking Rules

6. Performance Reviews

7. Career Development

8. Feedback Culture

1. Roles & Responsibilities

Role Definition

• Clearly outline each role, including scope, main responsibilities, and expected deliverables.
• Include both operational duties and strategic responsibilities.
• Maintain a one-page summary for each role in Notion for easy reference.

Expectations & Accountability

• Define performance expectations, communication norms, and collaboration responsibilities.
• Assign ownership of specific tasks, projects, and key outcomes.
• Include metrics or indicators of success where applicable.

Reporting & Escalation

• Specify who each role reports to and which stakeholders are impacted.
• Define escalation paths for blockers, issues, or cross-team dependencies.

Role Updates

• Review and update role definitions quarterly or when responsibilities change.
• Document updates in Notion and communicate to affected employees.

2. Hiring Process

Sourcing Candidates

• Use job boards, referrals, LinkedIn, and recruiting agencies.
• Prioritize candidates aligned with company values and culture.

Screening & Pre-Screening

• Conduct resume and portfolio review.
• Schedule short pre-screening calls to evaluate basic fit and interest.

Structured Interviews

• Use predefined evaluation criteria: skills, culture fit, and problem-solving ability.
• Include at least one panel interview with cross-functional stakeholders.

Evaluation & Decision Making

• Score candidates objectively based on predefined criteria.
• Discuss candidate strengths, weaknesses, and potential during a hiring debrief.

Onboarding

• Assign a mentor or buddy to guide the new hire.
• Provide access to tools, systems, and key documentation on Day 1.
• Schedule an onboarding roadmap covering company culture, processes, and role expectations.

Feedback Loop

• Collect feedback from candidates on the process.
• Document lessons learned to improve future hiring cycles.

3. Compensation Philosophy

Salary Structure

• Define salary bands per role and level.
• Align salaries with market benchmarks and internal equity.

Raises & Bonuses

• Merit-based increases occur on a scheduled cycle (e.g., annually or semi-annually).
• Consider performance, impact, and market adjustments.
• Document bonus eligibility, calculation method, and timing.

Transparency & Fairness

• Share high-level philosophy with employees; avoid disclosing individual salaries.
• Ensure employees understand how compensation and raises are determined.

Equity & Benefits

• If applicable, explain equity, stock options, or profit-sharing programs.
• Include health, retirement, and other benefits in the overall compensation context.

4. PTO & Leave Guidelines

Paid Time Off

• High-level explanation of PTO entitlement per year.
• Encourage employees to disconnect fully to recharge.

Sick Leave & Personal Days

• Guidelines for reporting absences.
• Expected notice period and documentation, if applicable.

Request Process

• Use Core Policies database/process in Notion for submitting requests.
• Approval workflows and timeline expectations.

Carryover & Forfeiture

• Explain rules for unused PTO.
• Clarify circumstances under which days can be carried over or forfeited.

5. Time Tracking Rules

6. Performance Reviews

7. Career Development

8. Feedback Culture

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/88b6057c-88a7-4b7e-a15a-72737b91f9f5/8512c5c8-592c-4761-81d5-ce0f9c930e57/Cute_Avatar_2.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/88b6057c-88a7-4b7e-a15a-72737b91f9f5/8512c5c8-592c-4761-81d5-ce0f9c930e57/Cute_Avatar_2.png" width="40px" /> Hello, I'm Edrian, the creator of this template.

</aside>