# Staff Handbook Template

> Free template from StaffHQ (staffhq.com). Replace every `[placeholder]` with your own
> details before sharing with staff. This is a starting structure, not legal or HR advice —
> have a qualified person review your final handbook for your jurisdiction.

**Company:** [Company name]
**Version:** [e.g. 1.0]
**Last updated:** [Date]
**Questions:** [Name / email of the person who owns this handbook]

---

## 1. Welcome

### 1.1 About us
[Two or three sentences: what the business does, who it serves, and what makes it a good place to work.]

### 1.2 How to use this handbook
This handbook answers the most common staff questions. If something is unclear or missing,
ask [handbook owner role] so we can fix the document once instead of re-answering.

## 2. Employment basics

### 2.1 Employment types
[Full-time / part-time / casual definitions and how hours are agreed.]

### 2.2 Probation period
[Length of probation and what happens at the end of it.]

### 2.3 Work hours and breaks
[Ordinary hours, break entitlements, and how schedules or rosters are published.]

### 2.4 Pay and payroll
[Pay cycle, pay day, how payslips are delivered, overtime rules.]

## 3. Time away from work

### 3.1 Annual / vacation leave
- How much leave accrues: [e.g. 4 weeks per year]
- How to request it: [process and tool]
- Notice required: [e.g. at least 2 weeks in advance]

### 3.2 Sick / personal leave
- Who to notify: [name/role and contact method]
- By when: [e.g. at least 1 hour before your shift starts]
- Evidence required: [e.g. medical certificate after 2 consecutive days]

### 3.3 Public holidays
[How public holidays are treated for each employment type.]

### 3.4 Other leave
[Parental, compassionate, jury duty, unpaid leave — list what applies and who approves it.]

## 4. Workplace expectations

### 4.1 Code of conduct
[The short version: respect, honesty, punctuality, and how conflicts are raised.]

### 4.2 Uniform, dress, and presentation
[What staff wear, what the business provides, grooming standards if relevant.]

### 4.3 Phone and personal device use
[When personal phones are okay and when they are not.]

### 4.4 Confidentiality and customer privacy
[What information must not be shared and who to ask when unsure.]

### 4.5 Social media
[What staff can and cannot post about the business.]

## 5. Health and safety

### 5.1 Safety responsibilities
[Everyone's duty of care, plus the named safety contact.]

### 5.2 Incident and injury reporting
- Report to: [name/role]
- By when: [e.g. immediately, before leaving site]
- Using: [form or tool]

### 5.3 Emergency procedures
[Evacuation point, first aid kit location, first aid officers.]

## 6. Tools, equipment, and property

### 6.1 Company equipment and vehicles
[Use rules, personal use policy, damage reporting.]

### 6.2 Systems and passwords
[Which systems staff use day to day and how access is granted and removed.]

## 7. Performance and growth

### 7.1 Feedback and reviews
[How often performance is discussed and what the process looks like.]

### 7.2 Training and development
[What training is provided and how staff can request more.]

## 8. Raising concerns

### 8.1 Questions about this handbook
Ask [handbook owner role] first — most answers are quick.

### 8.2 Complaints and grievances
[Steps to raise a concern informally and formally, and who handles it.]

## 9. Acknowledgement

I confirm I have received, read, and understood the [Company name] staff handbook
version [x.x] dated [date].

Name: ______________________  Signature: ______________________  Date: ____________

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*Template provided by StaffHQ — turn your finished handbook into an AI help desk your
staff can ask questions: https://staffhq.com*