10 handbook policies every employer needs.

Every organization needs a handbook with clear rules that everyone understands. Here are the top 10 policies your handbook ought to include. These policies are general; you should craft specific provisions that fit your organization.

1. Non-discrimination statement:

   Our organization is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate in the terms, conditions or privileges of employment on account of race; age; color; sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy; national origin; disability; religion; genetic makeup; or otherwise as prohibited by federal and state law.

2. National Labor Relations Act disclaimer: Nothing in these rules is intended to restrict rights under the National Labor Relations Act.

3. At-will employment: No manager, supervisor or employee has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment other than at-will. Only the president of the company has the authority to make any such agreement, and then only in writing.

4. Civility: We expect all employees to treat each other and our customers with dignity and respect. We do not use words or take actions that could be construed as harassing, degrading or offensive.

5. Dress and grooming: All employees must dress for their position and must be clean, neat in appearance and free of distractions that may impair health or safety in the workplace. We do not enforce the dress code in a way that reinforces stereotypes about how a particular gender should look and dress. We are committed to supporting our employees' religious, ethnic and cultural beliefs and will modify the dress code accordingly.

6. Nursing employees: Employees who choose to nurse their infants up to one year of age may take breaks to pump milk as needed. This organization has set aside space for this purpose. Contact HR for specifics and to arrange for appropriate pumping breaks.

7. Accommodation: We are...