Employee Handbook Template Project

Deliverables

Starter Handbook with 2022, 2023, and 2024 Legal Updates

2024 Employee Handbook Template for Member Libraries - Draft.docx

The above Word Document includes the base 2022 handbook as well as the 2023 and 2024 legal updates.

2024 Legal Updates

2024 Legal Updates and Instructions for Handbook Only.docx

The above Word Document should be used to update your library's 2024 Employee Handbook.

2023 Legal Updates

2023 VHL Legal Updates and Instructions for Handbook Only.docx

The above Word Document should be used to update your library's 2023 Employee Handbook.

Employee Handbook Template

2022 Employee Handbook for Member Libraries.docx

2022.03.03 Director Workshop Recording

Above is a downloadable Word file of a model Employee Handbook that member libraries can use to establish a handbook or replace existing policies if they choose. When using this template, there are comments in certain sections to help determine if the specific policies are applicable to your library. Be sure to read through the entire document and include all appropriate information prior to board approval.

Also, be sure to include or revoke any existing policies that may be included in this template so you do not have conflicting information.

Optional Policies

HR Works also provided an Optional Policies.docx document. If you would like any of these policies included in your handbook, you are welcome to contract with HR Works directly using this form - NYS and Federal Employee Handbook Appendix.pdf.

Project Scope

Pioneer Library System is contracting with HR Works to develop an Employee Handbook Template that can be distributed to all 42 libraries.

This template can be used to replace or augment local employee handbooks and policies.

Library Requirements

• Libraries interested in adopting this Employee Handbook will need to review the template, update local information, and adopt it at the Board level.
• Individual libraries that would like additional customization/policies for their unique organization are able to pay HR Works directly at a fee of $100/hour (funded by the library).
• Annual legal updates will need to be added to or used to amend the local handbook annually and approved accordingly.

Project Cost

Deliverable	Cost
Legal Updates (Annual Fee)	$2,400
Employee Handbook Template	$6,000

This project will be funded by Pioneer Library System's operating aid.

Deliverable: Employee Handbook - Template Table of Contents

The policies outlined below are strongly recommended and/or required, based on federal and New York State law and/or their importance.

1.00 INTRODUCTION

• Welcome Letter
• Preface

2.00 EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Sexual Harassment/Non-Harassment (combined or separate)
• Pregnancy Accommodations
• Reproductive Health Decisions
• Individuals with Disabilities
• Religious Accommodations
• Code of Ethics
• Whistleblower Protection

3.00 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

• Employment Eligibility and Work Authorization
• Employment Classifications
• Working Hours
• Pay Practices
• Attendance
• Open Communication
• Standards of Conduct

4.00 BENEFIT PROGRAMS

• NY Sick Leave (Not applicable for public employers)
• COBRA/State Continuation (Where group health plans are offered)
• Bone Marrow & Blood Donation Leave (20 or more employees)
• Jury Duty
• Crime Victims Leave
• Domestic Violence Victim Leave
• Military Leave for Public Employers (as applicable)
• Voting Leave
• Volunteer Firefighter and Ambulance Personnel Leave
• Workers’ Compensation
• Disability Leave
• Social Security

5.00 SAFETY POLICIES

• Accident Reporting and Investigation
• Emergency Evacuation (11 or more employees)
• Alcohol & Drug-Free Workplace
• Violence in the Workplace

6.00 EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES

• Media Relations
• Changes in Personal Information
• Protected Health Information (Employers that are self-funded for medical insurance and/or who offer an FSA)
• Protecting Patient Information (Medical/Dental practices)
• Social Media
• Should You Leave Us