Handbook Updates that Create Systemic Change: Small changes have Big Impacts for a fully remote climate start-up
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, your organization's handbook is a starting place to share the culture. Each person who reads the employee handbook gets a front-row seat to the values, expectations, protocols, and care to expect from the organization.
This could be emergency protocols that show leadership has thought about how they will take care of each individual's well-being, or clear policies that address how the organization responds to conflict, or the action steps taken should harassment policies be put into practice. Handbooks that show clear, actionable steps and frameworks to be used to build a more transparent work culture are one of the key components of a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Clients I’ve worked with know the importance of getting their handbooks and internal policies aligned with their organization’s values. So when this organization was about to scale up from 8-10 employees to 30, they knew it was time to update their foundational documents.
Context: Working with small organizations or businesses looking to grow is such an exciting time. Typically, they have secured funding and are looking to hire hire hire and do that in a way that is aligned with their values and mission. In this case, the organization was ready to take the leap. Their handbook had a lot of strengths, including an strong dispute resolution process with transparent procedures, a clear code of conduct for staff to understand–along with perks that were specific to their organizations values(e.g., a full remote climate start up that includes a parks pass reimbursement to encourage staff to be out in nature.)
Recommendations:
Consider which of the standard benefits can be more generous. Your bereavement policy, PTO policy, and Paid Family Leave are great places to start.
As a fully remote company, you have an opportunity to make health care more accessible, given that different people in different states may face more challenges in accessing their needs than others. This is an excellent opportunity to share the benefits the organization can offer to support someone, no matter where they live–such as benefits for traveling outside of the home state for health care needs.
Why these recommendations support the growth of the organization and prioritize values-alignment.
For a fully remote startup, intentionally designing generous benefits isn't just about attracting talent; it's a powerful way to embody your core values across a distributed team. By offering enhanced bereavement leave, PTO, and paid family leave, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee well-being beyond the traditional benefits package. Additionally, proactively addressing healthcare accessibility challenges unique to remote work, such as offering support for out-of-state medical travel, showcases a deep-seated value for inclusivity and equitable support, no matter where your team members call home. These tangible actions translate your company's ethos into everyday realities, fostering a stronger, more values-aligned remote culture.
By attending to the employee handbook as a living document, it serves as the cornerstone of the company's culture and commitment to employee well-being. By formally incorporating these more generous benefits and a commitment to accessible healthcare, an organization not only clarifies expectations but also reinforces its dedication to employee well-being and equity. An updated handbook ensures that your values aren't just aspirational statements but rather actionable policies that empower your remote team and strengthen your company's foundation.
Don't let your handbook become a static document gathering digital or actual dust. Instead, view it as a dynamic opportunity to shape your culture, solidify your values, and build a truly engaged and thriving team. By taking the proactive steps to update your handbook with intention – reflecting on your benefits, accessibility, and the clarity of your policies – you're not just updating a document; you're investing in the very foundation of your organization’s success.
Start the conversation, review your current practices, and unlock the potential of your handbook to become a powerful tool for alignment and growth. If you’d like to learn more, I’m offering a free webinar on this topic. Sign up to attend live or receive the recording in your inbox.
