Free Employee Handbook Template (Word & PDF)
Table of Contents
Download our free employee handbook template with all essential sections. Ready to customize for your business — no email required.
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What's included in this template
This template covers all the essential sections your employee handbook needs:
Welcome & Company Overview
Mission, values, and company history
Employment Policies
At-will employment, equal opportunity, classifications
Code of Conduct
Professional behavior, ethics, and workplace expectations
Compensation & Benefits
Pay schedules, benefits overview, and eligibility
Time Off & Leave
PTO, sick leave, holidays, and FMLA
Work Schedule & Attendance
Hours, remote work, and attendance policies
Safety & Security
Workplace safety, emergency procedures, and reporting
Technology & Communication
Device usage, email, social media policies
Performance & Development
Reviews, feedback, and growth opportunities
Separation & Offboarding
Resignation, termination, and exit procedures
How to customize this template
- Download the Word version — It's easier to edit than PDF
- Replace placeholder text — Add your company name, values, and specific policies
- Remove sections that don't apply — Not every business needs every policy
- Add your specific policies — Include industry-specific requirements
- Have legal review it — Especially employment policies and compliance sections
- Format and brand it — Add your logo, colors, and company style
Need more guidance? Read our complete guide on how to create an employee handbook or see what should be included in an employee handbook.
Template vs. handbook builder
Templates are a great starting point. But as your team grows, you might need more.
Word/PDF Template
- Free to download and use
- Full control over formatting
- Works offline
- Manual updates when policies change
- Hard to track who's read it
- No search functionality
- Writing from scratch takes hours
HandbookHub
Recommended- AI generates content for you
- Always up-to-date, easy to edit
- Track who's read and signed
- Smart search — ask questions, get answers
- Slack integration for your team
- Export to PDF when needed
- Free plan available
No credit card required
Frequently asked questions
Is this employee handbook template really free?
Yes, the template is completely free to download and use. No email required. You can customize it for your business needs.
What format is the employee handbook template in?
The template is available in both Microsoft Word (.docx) and PDF formats. Word is recommended for easy editing and customization.
Can I use this template for a small business?
Yes, this template works for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses can remove sections that don't apply and focus on the essentials. See our guide on employee handbooks for small businesses.
Do I need a lawyer to review the handbook?
We recommend having employment counsel review your handbook, especially sections on employment policies, discrimination, and compliance. This template is a starting point, not legal advice.
How do I get employees to acknowledge the handbook?
You can add a signature page to the template (see our acknowledgement form guide), or use digital signatures with HandbookHub to track acknowledgements automatically.