Draft a complete employee handbook in 10 minutes that your team can actually use
Beginner
10 min
English
Generate a clear, professional employee handbook covering policies, culture, and expectations without starting from a blank page.
Steps
- Open ChatGPT or Claude in your browser and start a new chat.
- Copy Prompt 1 below and paste it into the chat.
- Replace every {variable} in curly braces with your company details (company name, industry, team size, location, values, benefits, etc.).
- Press send and let the AI generate the full handbook draft.
- Read the output and note anything that needs changing (tone, missing policies, specifics about PTO or remote work).
- Copy Prompt 2 below, fill in the {feedback} variable with your edits, and paste it into the same chat so the AI improves the draft.
- Copy the final version into a Google Doc or Notion page.
- Add your logo, adjust formatting, and share the link with your team or HR advisor for a quick review before publishing.
Prompts to Use
You are an HR consultant helping a startup founder write a professional employee handbook.
Context: I am the founder of {company_name}, a {industry} company based in {location} with {team_size} employees. Our core values are {core_values}. We offer these benefits: {benefits}. Our work model is {work_model} (e.g. fully remote, hybrid, in-office).
Task: Write a complete employee handbook with the following sections:
1. Welcome and Company Mission
2. Company Culture and Core Values
3. Employment Policies (at-will, equal opportunity, probation period)
4. Work Hours, Attendance, and {work_model} Expectations
5. Compensation and Benefits
6. Paid Time Off and Leave Policies
7. Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy
8. Confidentiality and Data Security
9. Performance Reviews and Career Growth
10. Termination and Exit Process
11. Acknowledgment and Signature Page
Constraints: Use clear, plain English. Keep a professional but warm tone. Make each section 2-4 short paragraphs or bullet lists. Avoid legal jargon but include a note that the handbook is not a legal contract. Include {location}-specific references where relevant.
Output format: A well-structured document with numbered section headings, bullet points where useful, and a signature acknowledgment at the end.
Tools Used
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