EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGMENT ("Agreement") is made as of [Date],
BETWEEN:
[Company Name], a [State] [entity type], at [Address] ("Company"),
AND:
[Employee Name], residing at [Address] ("Employee").
1. RECEIPT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
1.1 Employee acknowledges receiving a copy of the Company's Employee Handbook (the "Handbook"), [Version/Edition: ____], dated [Date], in [print/electronic] format.
1.2 Employee acknowledges that the Handbook is available at all times via [company intranet/HR portal/physical copy in HR office].
1.3 Employee acknowledges responsibility for reading, understanding, and complying with all policies, procedures, and expectations set forth in the Handbook.
2. KEY POLICIES ACKNOWLEDGED
2.1 Employee specifically acknowledges reviewing and understanding the following policies:
(a) Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Policy — Company prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
(b) Anti-Harassment and Anti-Bullying Policy — Employee understands the prohibition against all forms of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, and the procedures for reporting incidents.
(c) At-Will Employment — [If applicable] Employee understands that employment is "at-will," meaning either party may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as otherwise provided by law or written agreement.
(d) Code of Conduct and Ethics — Employee agrees to conduct themselves professionally, honestly, and in compliance with all applicable laws and Company standards.
(e) Confidentiality and Trade Secrets — Employee agrees to protect Company's confidential information, proprietary data, trade secrets, and intellectual property during and after employment.
(f) Technology and Acceptable Use Policy — Employee understands that Company-provided technology (computers, phones, email, internet) is primarily for business use and subject to monitoring.
(g) Social Media Policy — Employee understands guidelines regarding social media use as it relates to the Company.
(h) Drug and Alcohol Policy — Employee acknowledges the prohibition of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during work hours.
(i) Attendance and Punctuality — Employee understands expectations for regular attendance and procedures for reporting absences.
(j) Leave Policies — Employee acknowledges understanding vacation, sick leave, FMLA, parental leave, and other leave entitlements.
(k) Safety and Health — Employee commits to following all workplace safety rules and reporting hazards.
(l) Whistleblower Protection — Employee understands protections for good-faith reporting of illegal or unethical conduct.
3. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT
3.1 [If applicable] Employee understands and agrees that: (a) employment with Company is at-will; (b) no supervisor, manager, or representative has authority to alter the at-will relationship orally; (c) only a written agreement signed by [CEO/President] can modify the at-will status; (d) the Handbook does not create a contract of employment.
4. HANDBOOK MODIFICATIONS
4.1 Company reserves the right to revise, supplement, or discontinue any policies or benefits described in the Handbook at any time, at its sole discretion.
4.2 Employee will be notified of material changes via [email/posted notice/intranet] and may be asked to sign an updated acknowledgment.
4.3 Continued employment after notification of changes constitutes acceptance of those changes.
5. EMPLOYEE OBLIGATIONS
5.1 Employee agrees to: (a) direct any questions about Handbook policies to [HR Department/Manager]; (b) report violations of Handbook policies promptly; (c) cooperate with any Company investigations; (d) return all Company property upon separation of employment.
6. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
6.1 Employee agrees that any disputes arising from employment shall be resolved through: (a) internal grievance procedures as outlined in the Handbook; (b) [mediation/arbitration] as a condition of employment, waiving the right to a jury trial. [Specify arbitration provider, e.g., AAA/JAMS].
6.2 This arbitration provision does not prevent Employee from filing charges with the EEOC, NLRB, or other government agency.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY UPON SEPARATION
7.1 Upon termination of employment for any reason, Employee shall: (a) return all Company property, documents, and data; (b) continue to honor confidentiality obligations indefinitely; (c) delete any Company data from personal devices.
8. GOVERNING LAW
8.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State/Jurisdiction].
8.2 Disputes shall be resolved in the courts of [County], [State].
9. SEVERABILITY
9.1 If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions continue in full force.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
10.1 This constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties. No amendment is valid unless in writing signed by both Parties.
11. NOTICES
11.1 All notices shall be in writing, delivered by certified mail or overnight courier to the addresses above.
DISCLAIMER: This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult qualified legal counsel.
SIGNATURES
[PARTY A]:
Signature: _________________________ Name: [Full Name] Title: [Title] Date: __________
[PARTY B]:
Signature: _________________________ Name: [Full Name] Title: [Title] Date: __________
