Can AI write an employee handbook?
Half. It drafts a clear structure and plain-English policies fast, but employment law varies by state and changes. Have an HR professional or employment lawyer review it before you use it.
01Why half-bot
- Drafting and organizing policies is a good AI job.
- Legal requirements (leave, overtime, breaks) vary by location.
- A bad handbook can create legal risk.
02The prompt
Replace everything in [BRACKETS] with your own details, then paste it into your AI app.
You are an HR consultant for small businesses. This is not legal advice. Business: [TYPE, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, STATE] Policies I want to include: [PTO, SCHEDULES, CONDUCT, REMOTE WORK] How things work now: [NOTES] Your task: draft the handbook. Rules: - MUST write in plain English with clear headings. - MUST mark every section with legal requirements as [HAVE REVIEWED]. - NEVER state legal requirements as fact. Give me: an outline and drafted sections, plus a list of items for legal review.
03Steps
- Write down how things work today.
- Run the prompt.
- Have it reviewed before sharing with staff.
04What can go wrong
- Employment law varies; get a review.
- Update it when laws change.
05What to use
06Our test runs
2 runs, each with a different made-up sample. 0 of 2 passed every check.
The made-up sample:
[TYPE, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, STATE]Boutique coffee shop, 22 employees, Colorado[PTO, SCHEDULES, CONDUCT, REMOTE WORK]Paid Time Off (PTO), Work Schedules, Employee Conduct, Remote Work Policy[NOTES]Currently, employees track hours manually on paper timesheets. PTO is granted on a “first come, first served” basis with no formal accrual schedule. Schedules are set weekly by the manager, and changes require verbal approval. Conduct expectations are communicated verbally. Remote work is allowed occasionally for administrative staff, but there is no written policy.[HAVE REVIEWED][HAVE REVIEWED]
- Write in plain English with clear headings
- Mark every section with legal requirements as [HAVE REVIEWED]
- Never state legal requirements as fact
- Provide outline, drafted sections, and legal review list
- Didn't make up details we never gave it
What came back (excerpt):
We understand that our employees have different needs and schedules. Our work schedules are set weekly by the manager and will be posted [number] days in advance.
Read the full answer
**Boutique Coffee Shop Employee Handbook Outline** I. Introduction II. Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy III. Work Schedules IV. Employee Conduct V. Remote Work Policy VI. Conclusion **Drafted Sections** ### I. Introduction Welcome to [Boutique Coffee Shop Name], where we strive to provide a great work environment for our employees. This handbook outlines our policies and expectations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. ### II. Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy At [Boutique Coffee Shop Name], we believe in giving our employees time to rest and recharge. Our PTO policy allows employees to accrue paid time off based on their hours worked. Employees will accrue [number] hours of PTO per [time period]. PTO requests should be submitted in writing to the manager at least [number] days in advance. Approval will be based on business needs and availability. ### III. Work Schedules We understand that our employees have different needs and schedules. Our work schedules are set weekly by the manager and will be posted [number] days in advance. Any changes to the schedule require written approval from the manager. Employees are expected to be on time and ready to work at their scheduled start time. ### IV. Employee Conduct We expect all employees to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner. This includes being courteous to customers, respecting colleagues, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. Employees are expected to follow all company policies and procedures. ### V. Remote Work Policy [HAVE REVIEWED] We allow remote work for administrative staff on an occasional basis. Remote work requests should be submitted in writing to the manager at least [number] days in advance. Approval will be based on business needs and availability. Employees working remotely are expected to maintain the same level of productivity and confidentiality as they would in the office. ### VI. Conclusion We hope this handbook provides a clear understanding of our policies and expectations. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your manager or HR representative. **List of Items for Legal Review** 1. PTO accrual schedule and usage policy 2. Work schedule posting and change procedures 3. Employee conduct expectations and disciplinary procedures 4. Remote work policy and eligibility 5. Compliance with Colorado state laws regarding PTO, scheduling, and remote work 6. Review of handbook language to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations 7. Verification of [HAVE REVIEWED] sections to ensure accuracy and compliance Note: This is not a comprehensive list, and it's recommended to have a legal professional review the entire handbook to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Missing [HAVE REVIEWED] tags on most sections.
The made-up sample (a messier one):
[TYPE, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, STATE]Boutique graphic design studio, 12 employees, California[PTO, SCHEDULES, CONDUCT, REMOTE WORK]Paid time off accrual, flexible weekly schedules, workplace conduct standards, remote work guidelines[NOTES]We currently track PTO manually on a spreadsheet, schedules are set weekly but often change on short notice, conduct expectations are informal and communicated verbally, remote work is allowed but there is no written policy; some staff work from home full‑time, others are in‑office. We've had a few complaints about overtime pay and unclear break rules.[HAVE REVIEWED]Mark each clause that contains a legal requirement with [HAVE REVIEWED] (e.g., wage‑hour rules, anti‑discrimination, leave entitlements).
- Write in plain English with clear headings
- Mark every legal‑requirement clause with [HAVE REVIEWED]
- Never state legal requirements as fact
- Provide outline, drafted sections, and legal‑review list
- Didn't make up details we never gave it
What came back (excerpt):
We believe in providing our employees with regular breaks to rest and recharge. Our break policy allows employees to take [number] minutes of break time per [time period].
Read the full answer
**Employee Handbook Outline** I. Introduction II. Paid Time Off Accrual III. Flexible Weekly Schedules IV. Workplace Conduct Standards V. Remote Work Guidelines VI. Break Rules and Overtime Pay VII. Complaint Resolution Process **Drafted Sections** ### Introduction Welcome to [Studio Name], a boutique graphic design studio dedicated to providing a positive and productive work environment. This employee handbook outlines our policies and procedures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable work experience for all employees. ### Paid Time Off Accrual At [Studio Name], we believe in providing our employees with a healthy work-life balance. Our paid time off (PTO) accrual policy allows employees to earn [number] hours of PTO per [time period]. PTO accrual will be tracked and recorded by the HR department. [HAVE REVIEWED] ### Flexible Weekly Schedules We understand that our employees have different needs and preferences when it comes to their work schedules. Our flexible weekly schedule policy allows employees to work with their managers to create a schedule that suits their needs. Schedules may be adjusted on short notice, and employees are expected to be flexible and adaptable. ### Workplace Conduct Standards We are committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive work environment. Our workplace conduct standards expect all employees to treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, culture, or personal characteristics. [HAVE REVIEWED] ### Remote Work Guidelines We offer remote work options to our employees to provide them with more flexibility and autonomy. Employees who work remotely are expected to maintain the same level of productivity and communication as those who work in the office. Remote work arrangements must be approved by management in advance. ### Break Rules and Overtime Pay We believe in providing our employees with regular breaks to rest and recharge. Our break policy allows employees to take [number] minutes of break time per [time period]. Overtime pay will be provided to employees who work more than [number] hours per week, as agreed upon by management. [HAVE REVIEWED] ### Complaint Resolution Process We are committed to resolving any complaints or issues that may arise in a fair and timely manner. Employees who have a complaint or concern should speak with their manager or HR representative, who will investigate and resolve the issue promptly. **Items for Legal Review** 1. PTO accrual policy: Ensure compliance with California labor laws regarding paid time off accrual and usage. 2. Overtime pay policy: Review to ensure compliance with California labor laws regarding overtime pay and exemptions. 3. Break rules: Verify compliance with California labor laws regarding break times and meal periods. 4. Anti-discrimination and harassment policies: Review to ensure compliance with California and federal laws regarding anti-discrimination and harassment. 5. Remote work policy: Review to ensure compliance with California labor laws regarding remote work arrangements and employee classification. 6. Complaint resolution process: Ensure compliance with California and federal laws regarding complaint resolution and investigation procedures. 7. Workplace conduct standards: Review to ensure compliance with California and federal laws regarding workplace conduct and employee behavior.
Check that all legal‑requirement clauses are tagged with [HAVE REVIEWED].
How each run works: we fill the prompt with a made-up sample, run it once in Llama 3.3 70B, and GPT-OSS 120B grades the answer against the prompt's own rules. Word limits are counted by code, and every quote flagged as made up is checked against the full answer. Your results can differ. How we test.