Creating and maintaining an employee handbook can be a daunting task. So the temptation to adopt a “one size fits all” approach makes sense. But using an off-the-shelf handbook without carefully evaluating every section is pure folly. It may include rules that don’t apply to your organization. Or miss crucial updates like mandated benefits or additional anti-discrimination rules required in your state or city.

If you're going to use a template to build your employee manual, make sure you've got the Handbook Cheat Sheet by your side to create a customized, legally sound guide.

Preview major company changes since the last handbook went into effect.

• Has the company expanded into other states?
• Did it open locations in other cities or towns?
• Do you have accurate head counts for each office or retail location?
• Have you hired remote employees or begun a telecommuting program?
• Did a group of employees vote to unionize?

These and other changes may impact how you modify the from handbook.