Employee Manual & Handbook Legal Software

Complete DIY employee handbook creation software with state-specific policies, compliance templates, and customizable forms

$79-$420

Annual Cost

vs $10,000-$20,000 attorney

2-10 Hours

Create Handbook

Depends on company size

50 States

State Coverage

Automatic compliance

50+ Sections

Pre-Built Policies

Pick applicable ones

What Is Employee Handbook Software?

Employee handbook software provides customizable templates, state-specific policies, and compliance guidance to create professional employee manuals without hiring attorneys. These tools include 50+ pre-built sections, federal compliance templates, state-specific requirements, and digital distribution features for employee acknowledgments.

Cost Savings: Software costs $79-$420 annually vs $10,000-$20,000 for attorney-drafted handbooks. Even with $500-$2,000 attorney review of your handbook, you save 75-95% compared to full attorney drafting.

Essential Handbook Sections (50+)

CORE POLICIES
  • ✓ Welcome & Company Overview
  • ✓ Equal Employment Opportunity
  • ✓ Anti-Harassment Policy
  • ✓ At-Will Employment
  • ✓ Code of Conduct
  • ✓ Attendance & Punctuality
  • ✓ Compensation & Payroll
TIME OFF & LEAVE
  • ✓ Vacation & PTO
  • ✓ Sick Leave
  • ✓ Holidays Observed
  • ✓ Bereavement Leave
  • ✓ Jury Duty Leave
  • ✓ Military Leave
  • ✓ FMLA (if applicable)
WORKPLACE STANDARDS
  • ✓ Dress Code
  • ✓ Drug & Alcohol Policy
  • ✓ Safety Standards
  • ✓ Violence Prevention
  • ✓ Confidentiality
  • ✓ Social Media Use
  • ✓ Discipline Procedures
TECHNOLOGY & BENEFITS
  • ✓ IT Use & Monitoring
  • ✓ Data Protection
  • ✓ Remote Work Policy
  • ✓ Health Insurance
  • ✓ Retirement Plans
  • ✓ Workers' Comp
  • ✓ EAP Programs

Federal & State Requirements

Federal law does NOT require handbooks, but states do require specific disclosures. Handbook software includes all state-specific requirements for all 50 states.

Federal Laws:

  • FLSA: Wage-and-hour rules, overtime policy
  • FMLA: Written policy if 50+ employees
  • ADA: Reasonable accommodations procedures
  • EEO: Anti-discrimination and harassment policies
  • OSHA: Workplace safety information

State Requirements Vary:

  • California: Meal breaks, wage statements, paid leave
  • New York: Sexual harassment prevention, family leave
  • Illinois: Workplace rights notice
  • Most states: Anti-harassment, wage-and-hour, safety

7-Step Creation Process

Software automatically loads state-specific policies and compliance requirements for all 50 states with automatic legal updates.

Enter company name, industry, employee count. Software customizes policies (e.g., FMLA required if 50+ employees).

Choose from 50+ pre-written sections applicable to your business: PTO, benefits, remote work, drug testing, etc.

Edit amounts: vacation days, holidays, benefits, contact procedures, dress codes, compensation specifics.

Review for accuracy. Optional: Have employment lawyer review ($500-$2,000) for additional assurance.

Download as PDF. Print or distribute digitally. Collect employee acknowledgment signatures (paper or digital).

Review annually for policy changes and new laws. Many platforms notify of legal changes so updates are easy.

Top Handbook Software Options

SHRM Employee Handbook Builder

Best for: Comprehensive compliance

  • ✓ All 50 states
  • ✓ Automatic updates
  • ✓ 50+ customizable sections
  • ✓ Digital signatures

Cost: $420/year

SixFifty

Best for: Auto-compliance

  • ✓ Law change alerts
  • ✓ State-specific requirements
  • ✓ Easy customization
  • ✓ Distribution tools

Cost: Custom (~$200+/year)

Handbooks.io

Best for: Budget option

  • ✓ One-time purchase
  • ✓ Fully customizable
  • ✓ State-compliant
  • ✓ PDF downloads

Cost: $79.95 or $159.95/year

EmployeeHandbookStore

Best for: State templates

  • ✓ All 50 states
  • ✓ Word & PDF
  • ✓ One-time purchase
  • ✓ Small business focus

Cost: $39.95/state

FAQ

Not required. Create with software ($79-$420), optionally have lawyer review ($500-$2,000). Much cheaper than attorney-drafted ($10,000-$20,000).

Minimum annually for policy changes and new laws. Many platforms notify of legal changes for easy updates.

Require signed acknowledgment. If refused, document refusal and make handbook available. Signed acknowledgments protect your company legally.

Yes, if employees acknowledge receipt. Include signed acknowledgment form. Clear policy language increases enforceability. State law affects interpretation.

Risks: inconsistent enforcement, misunderstandings, failure to meet state requirements, reduced legal protection, liability exposure. Professional handbook proves policy notice.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025