PolicySmart

Make Reviewing and Updating Your Handbook Easier

ComplianceHR

PolicySmartTM is a great resource for accessing up-to-date handbook templates for your jurisdiction. You can use the templates in PolicySmart as a starting point and then edit them to fit your organization’s specific details and voice and tone. But, you may be wondering, what happens when it’s time to update my edited version of the handbook? Do I really have to go through the entire editing process from beginning to end again? Following the steps below can help streamline your review and update process.

  1. Before you begin editing, save an unedited copy of the handbook template downloaded from PolicySmart. Consider including the date the document was downloaded in the file name for future reference.
  2. Save a copy of the unedited document you created in step 1. Make sure this new copy is clearly marked as your working version so the original step 1 document remains unchanged.
  3. Always double check the file before editing to make sure you are editing and sharing the working version of the document. Track any changes made in the working version.
  4. When you are ready to finalize and implement your handbook, create a third final copy of the document and accept the changes that were tracked. Leave the tracked changes in place on the working version.
  5. When it is time to check your handbook and see if there are new updates that need to be implemented, download a new copy of the handbook template from PolicySmart. Be sure to save the downloaded document as your most recent unedited copy.
  6. Use a compare tool to compare the document saved in step 1 to the document saved in step 5.
  7. Review the differences noted by the compare tool and use this as a guide to pinpoint the sections that need to be updated in your current handbook.
  8. Don’t forget to make a new working version copy of your current handbook before implementing any changes so the review/update cycle can continue.

If you’re interested in learning about handbook best practices, check out our whitepaper “Proven Employee Handbook Best Practices.” To learn more about PolicySmart, sign up for our Live Open Office Hours or email your questions to support@compliancehr.com.