What’s your advice when it comes to implementing employee handbooks?

Landscape Professionals

Richard Bare
Arbor-Nomics Turf
Norcross, Ga.

“We got the handbook provided by Paychex, which handles our payroll services, and added in things that weren’t covered. It’s a constant work in progress, as we have new experiences all the time that aren’t covered and we never thought of.”

Chris Joyce
Joyce Landscaping
Cape Cod, Mass.

“When you are implementing or creating an employee handbook always consult legal help.”

Adam Linnemann
Linnemann Lawn Care & Landscaping
Columbia, Ill.

“Have it reviewed by an attorney that specializes in HR.”

Jerry McKay
McKay Landscape Lighting
Omaha, Neb.

“Have somebody within your organization own it and be responsible for implementing it and, most importantly, following through!”

Greg Winchel
Winchel Irrigation
Grandville, Mich.

“They are nice to have as a guideline for new hires, but if you teach your company culture correctly, then they aren’t really needed.”

Industry Consultants

Kevin Kehoe
3PG Consulting
Laguna, Calif.

Hire an HR expert to do it with you. A bad manual creates huge potential liabilities.

Phil Harwood
Pro-Motion Consulting
Grand Rapids, Mich.

“Find a good template to work from; don’t reinvent the wheel.”

Frank Ross
3PG Consulting
Alpharetta, Ga.

“As every state’s laws are different, make sure you run your manual past your attorney before publishing.”

Jody Shilan
FromDesign2Build.com
Upper Saddle River, N.J.

Make sure that employees sign and date that they read it.