Employee Handbook: Just What the Doctor Ordered
Q: I’m starting a new medical practice. Where can I find templates or examples of employee handbooks?
--Mary M. Romero, Los Angeles
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A: Go to the nearest Employment Development Department office and pick up a “new employer” packet immediately so you’ll get started right. The EDD can help you gather the state materials and federal postings you need to be in compliance with all employer guidelines. Its Web site is at https://www.edd.ca.gov.
The California Chamber of Commerce, at (800) 331-8877, has a comprehensive handbook detailing state guidelines on how to hire and fire employees and handle everything you need to know in between.
Another source is the Professionals in Human Resources Assn. (https://www.pihra.org). Contact it at (213) 622-7472 for information on membership, vendors and other resources.
If you know a labor lawyer, he or she will have templates you can use to get started. You can also buy human-resources software at sites such as https://www.bestsoftware.com and https://www.probusiness.com. The online do-it-yourself legal center, https://www.nolo.com, offers several books on employers’ legal responsibilities.
But remember that when you rely on a template, you will get boilerplate language that won’t specifically address your company or your employees. You should customize any templates you use, and have the final product reviewed by an attorney with experience in employee-employer law.
--Rica Burton, president,
Choice Professionals,
marketing and human resources
firm, Los Angeles
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Q: Our company is moving to Southern California and we have a strong need for a sales force. Do you have any suggestions on where we can look for new sales employees?
--Stan Jamieson, partner,
Planetal Systems Group
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A: If you’re interested in young, entry-level salespeople, I’d recommend that you turn to networking groups for university students and recent graduates. Also, network within your own industry and ask the owners of similar companies where they hire their salespeople. Attend industry trade shows, where you’re likely to find many good contacts, not only in sales, but in other aspects of your business. You don’t have to spend the money to exhibit--just go as an attendee.
If you do have a budget, and you need to hire a whole sales force at once, you could rent a booth at a job fair. If you’re lucky, you might find one specific to your industry. And don’t forget classified “help wanted” ads in the newspapers and listings on Internet job sites like Monster.com and Headhunter.net.
Again, if your budget allows, you could turn to a professional staffing company. The drawback, of course, is that aside from being expensive, some agencies will push hard to place their clients with you regardless of whether or not they are qualified or the right fit for your firm. Make sure you do good interviews with their candidates and don’t assume that because they come recommended by a recruiter they’re the right salespeople for you.
--John Musser, president,
Enhanced Sales Potential,
San Francisco
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If you have a question about how to start or operate a small business, mail it to Karen E. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 1333 S. Mayflower Ave., Suite 100, Monrovia, CA 91016, or e-mail it to kklein6349@aol.com. Include your name, address and telephone number. This column is designed to answer questions of general interest. It should not be construed as legal advice.
