Do you have an employee policy manual? Every dealership should have one in place that covers all the important basics for an employee at the dealership.
The employee policy manual should include information about the dealership, the dealership’s policy for hiring and firing, employee benefits, compensation, employment policies and operation policies. Information about the dealership should include an introduction to the dealership, tell the history, values and mission statement. The firing and hiring policy should explain the training, probationary period (if applicable), performance evaluations, notice to resign and termination. The employee benefits policy should describe the personal and/or vacation days, retirement plans, insurance coverage and any other benefits the dealership is offering. The compensation policy should explain salary reviews, overtime, garnishments, and pay periods. An employment policy is where the dealership can state their drug and alcohol testing policy, substance abuse policy, harassment policy, etc. The operation policy is where the dealership can list policies such as safety, internet use, dress code, ethics, hours and discipline.
So why are these policies important to have in place? Implementing an employee policy manual will help the dealership improve communication with current staff, simplify the hiring process and reduce the risk of lawsuits from current and/or former employees.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss effective employee policy manuals more, please do not hesitate to contact any of our dealership professionals!
Michelle Housman
