What's the difference between our Bulletproof Employee Handbook (BPEH) and a tailored handbook? Although we do guarantee that the BPEH will be in compliance with all state and federal laws affecting the company at the time the handbook is written, we leave the customization up to the company. Unless retained to do so, we do not provide assistance in the writing of company-specific policies, nor do we assist in updating the handbook when federal or state laws, case law, or labor codes change. Those who purchase the BPEH are responsible for modifying the following policies: the welcoming statement; attendance, hours of work, the orientation period, performance evaluations, paychecks and paydays, holidays, sick leave, vacation or PTO, and other benefits.
With a tailored handbook, after discussions with those involved in the process, we write draft policies in all areas which must be covered, advise the client on which policies are required by law, how they can be written to be in the best interests of the company, advise which policies should not be in the handbook and why, and then write he handbook and send the draft for further discussion and modification. The process normally takes two drafts before it's put into a publishable format.
Winning Associates has customized employee handbooks for more than 250 firms nationwide including nine for law firms, and one of those a labor law firm at that! We have written manuals for high-tech, engineering, electronics, retail, architectural, remodeling, banking, mortgage and real estate companies, and medical, dental, chiropractic, accounting, and a myriad of other firms in almost every imaginable industry from heavy duty construction equipment to dairy farms.
Updates, Fees and Retainers: Tailored handbooks are normally sold in one of two ways: (1) a set fee for the handbook plus an optional monthly retainer to cover updates and consultations on any employee relations issues that may ensue. (2) a handbook is written at no charge, but a minimum one-year retainer is required. Candidly, this is not entirely a "wash." The handbook at no fee is slightly less expensive because we are always looking for a long-term relationship with clients.
Tailored handbook fees are from $1,500 to $7,500, the cost dependent upon the number of employees in the company, and the location of the company. Handbooks for companies in California, Massachusetts, New York, Washington, and now in Texas are slightly more expensive because of the extent of state labor codes or case law.
Retainers run from $250 a month for up to two hours of consulting and updating to as much as $3,500 for up to 25 hours of consulting a month. Of course, only the largest companies, usually with offices in more than one state, will be at the $3,500 level. Most often, we have been retained by companies without an HR Department, although it is not unusual for us to become the sounding board and outsourced function even for companies with such departments. We are on call 12-16 hours a day for retained clients.
If you would like to know how much a tailored handbook and or retainer would cost please fill out the following form and email it to us. Please be certain that your e-mail address is entered correctly.
