Episode 110: Getting a Handle on Handbooks

Episode 110: Getting a Handle on Handbooks

From What The HR! by TCSHRM -Twin Cities Society for Human Resources Management

November 20, 2025 · 48 min · Episode 172

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of employee handbooks and how they can be tailored to reflect company culture.

Lena Scullard and Becky Lauseng welcomed employment attorney Kate Bischoff to discuss employee handbooks, which she defined as documents setting expectations and guidance distinct from tactical policy manuals. Kate advised that HR should determine the handbook's tone to match the company culture, use the document to drive cultural change, and review the handbook annually, ideally from back to front and through the perspective of an employee needing guidance. Key recommendations included ensuring harassment and essential EEO policies are prominently featured, avoiding broad off-the-clock conduct language, and keeping the handbook concise (less than 35 pages) by removing specific policy details like employment classifications, lengthy discipline policies, and temporary trend topics like returning to the office. Guest: Kate Bischoff | Employee Attorney & HR Professional | https://www.linkedin.com/in/k8bisch Resources: Website: http://www.k8bisch.com Kate's LinkedIn Learning Session on Employee Handbooks: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/human-resources-creating-an-employee-handbook-26129200 Email: kate@k8bisch.com Hosts: Becky Lauseng…

People in this episode

Guest: Kate Bischoff

Topics covered

  • employee handbooks
  • HR policies
  • company culture

Keywords

  • harassment policies
  • EEO policies
  • cultural change
  • HR best practices

Mentioned in this episode

Products: LinkedIn Learning Session on Employee Handbooks

Places: the Twin Cities, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota

More episodes of What The HR!

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the What The HR! podcast page.