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An employee handbook is more than a collection of policies—it’s the foundation of an organization’s culture, a guide for its people, and a mirror of its values. Yet, not all handbooks are created equal. In this tale of two companies, Stork & Daughters and Lanister & Fray, we explore the stark differences between a handbook that empowers a workforce and one that leaves employees floundering. Whether you’re reimagining your own handbook or wondering where yours might fall short, these contrasting examples offer a clear roadmap for success—and cautionary lessons to avoid failure.
Stork & Daughters is known for its thriving hybrid workplace and a team that runs like a well-oiled machine. Behind their seamless operations lies a thoughtfully crafted employee handbook that has become the cornerstone of their success. Here’s why it’s a masterpiece:
The Stork & Daughters manual uses plain language, free of legal jargon and corporate buzzwords. Employees know exactly where to find the information they need, whether it’s about PTO policies, IT protocols, or hybrid work guidelines.
This company understands that the workplace evolves, and so should the handbook. When they transitioned to a hybrid model, they added sections on remote work expectations, video conferencing etiquette, and ergonomic home office setups. Updates are a breeze, thanks to a team dedicated to maintaining the handbook’s relevance.
"In today's digital age, it is critical to highlight the importance of making your employee handbook accessible online and via mobile devices. In addition to this improving the employee experience, it also makes it easier for HR managers to update and distribute the handbook efficiently."
Employees don’t have to rummage through old emails or dusty filing cabinets. The handbook lives on a sleek, mobile-friendly platform, complete with a search function that delivers answers in seconds.
The handbook strikes the perfect balance—it includes everything employees need but avoids unnecessary details. No one’s overwhelmed by a 200-page document or left scratching their heads over vague policies.
Stork & Daughters’ handbook is more than just a document; it’s a living resource that keeps employees informed, engaged, and empowered.
Lanister & Fray was once a promising company. But their employee handbook, crafted in the pre-2020 era, has become a relic of a bygone age. Here’s where they’ve gone wrong:
Lanister & Fray‘s handbook hasn’t been revised since 2015. Employees are left guessing about remote work policies or even basic expectations. The result? Confusion and frustration.
"Many HR teams make the mistake of setting it and forgetting it. They create a handbook of great policies they set on the website and check for continued legal compliance, but they forget to check for company practice. In reality, the handbook may not align with organizational practices. This leads to employee mistrust. Therefore, it is critical that HR aligns the handbook with actual practice."
Want to access the handbook? Good luck. It’s buried in a shared drive labeled “Old HR Stuff” and formatted as a 100-page PDF with no search function. Even when employees manage to open it, they’re met with walls of text in Comic Sans.
Lanister & Fray swings between extremes. The handbook includes an entire chapter on dress codes for in-office meetings but skips any mention of how to report IT issues. Employees don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
An employee handbook isn’t just a formality; it’s a lifeline for your team. Keep it clear, keep it current, and keep it accessible. Otherwise, you risk becoming the next Lanister & Fray—and trust us, no one wants to be the company still talking about fax machines in 2025.
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“15 Common Employee Handbook Mistakes to Avoid.” 4/27/24. Accessed 1/16/25. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2021/04/27/15-common-employee-handbook-mistakes-to-avoid/
Janzer, Cinnamon.”7 Employee Handbook Examples You Should Use.” TriNet. 11/3/23. Accessed 1/16/25. https://www.trinet.com/insights/employee-handbook-examples
+1 (267) 368-7090
contact@matcgroup.com