2.    Upon purchase, how will I receive the Employee Handbook?

When our credit card processor confirms (via email) the successful transaction, we then email you the file containing the Employee Handbook.  We guarantee delivery of templates within one business day, however, handbooks are typically emailed within minutes of credit card approval.

3.    What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, Master Card, and American Express, utilizing our secure server technology.

4.    Is the template compliant with federal and state laws?

Our Employee Handbook was written by an attorney with federal and state law compliance in mind.  However, laws vary from state to state and are subject to change.  Employers are advised to seek review of all company policies with their own legal counsel.  We can arrange legal counsel to review your customized employee handbook for state and federal compliance for approximately $500.00.

5.    What exactly do I get?

You receive one document in Microsoft Word format.  You will need to go through it in detail, changing [bracketed] words to reflect words that are specific to your organization.  For example, where you see "[Company Name]", you will need to insert your own company name.  (This is easily done with the “Edit and Replace” feature within Word.)

You will also inevitably want to delete phrases, or change the wording of some policies to suit your organization.  Last, but not least, you will need to update the table of contents so that the titles and page numbers match the final document.

The truth of the matter is, there are only two products on the market for quick employee handbook solutions -- software and templates.  No matter which one you choose, you will not escape the need for customization.  There is no product on the market that you can buy that will be employee-ready without thorough review and some customization and/or personalization on your part.

We believe our Employee Handbook template is your best choice.  Again, the content is solid; it is easy to edit; it is a WORD document; and it does not get much less complicated than that.

We are also including an "Employee Handbook Sign-Off Sheet."  This will allow you to have proof on-file of an employee's acknowledgment that they have received and read your company’s Employee Handbook.

6.    How long will it take to edit it?

We know of some companies who were able to edit our Employee Handbook template in one-half hour.  However, the time it takes you to be "print-ready" is dependant upon your word processing skills and the number of changes you find necessary.

Purchasing the Word version will significantly reduce your time-to-completion because much of the presentation work, or formatting work, has been done for you.

7.    What do you recommend in terms of integrating an Employee Handbook after we have finished customizing it?

Once the Employee Handbook is complete, we recommend you consider inviting us to your office to facilitate an Employee Handbook training session for your administrative and management staff.

Do not underestimate the value of conducting an annual training/discussion session that covers the Employee Handbook cover to cover.

We believe training on "managing with the Employee Handbook" is one of the best returns on investment you will get in regards to management and administrative training.

We are used to the type of feedback and discussion generated in this type of meeting, and are confident we can provide a clear understanding of the policies, address "touchy" subjects (i.e. -- absenteeism and sexual harassment) with logical and meaningful feedback, and even create an enthusiasm about using the Employee Handbook as a management tool.

The cost of on-site service is $1,000.00 per day, plus travel expenses.

Call 1-972-203-2966 for more information.

8.    If we choose to have FactorHelp customize an Employee Handbook for us, who is that project assigned to -- just a word processing specialist, or an HR specialist?

Our attorney is also our Employee Handbook editor.  Before coming to work for FactorHelp, his experience/titles included President, Chief Operating Officer, and VP of Marketing and Product Development for start-up companies as well as Fortune 500 companies.  He has over 20 years experience in senior-level management and employee administration.

9.    I've seen several terms in my search for this product, namely Employee Manual, Employee Handbook, Company Handbook, and Company Policy Manual.  Is there a difference?

We say no.  Calling an Employee Handbook an Employee Manual, a Company Handbook, or a Company Policy Manual, seems to be a title preference, not a distinguishing title.  So, whichever term you use, Employee Handbook, Employee Manual, Company Handbook, or Company Policy Manual, it's up to you.  There’s really no difference in the content.

However, in the factoring industry, the term Procedures Manual is sometimes referred to in the same manner as an Employee Manual, but it should not.  Many folks complicate the process of developing an Employee Handbook by including operating procedures in them.  That’s NOT a good idea.  Your company’s operating policies and procedures should be in a separate document entitled “Operations Manual” with the focus on how you operate your business – NOT how you manage your employees.

To sum up the point, an employee handbook should be focused on directives and work-life in nature; while leaving out detailed operating policies and procedures (such as how to handle certain customer situations, or how to conduct a collateral / credit analysis, or or how to conduct a field examination).  These “operating” policies and procedures belong in an Operations Manual.