Scope
Identify who is covered (employees, contractors, temps), workplace locations, and effective dates so applicability is unambiguous.
Consistent, documented rules reduce disputes, support lawful personnel actions, clarify expectations, and improve operational consistency while aiding compliance with employment and privacy laws.
A signed acknowledgement by each employee documents receipt and can reduce later disputes about awareness or notice.
Identify who is covered (employees, contractors, temps), workplace locations, and effective dates so applicability is unambiguous.
Define prohibited behavior, harassment and discrimination policies, conflict-of-interest rules, and expectations for professional conduct at work.
State work hours, punctuality expectations, allowable remote work, and procedures for reporting absences or requesting schedule changes.
Describe paid and unpaid leave, statutory rights (FMLA, ADA accommodations), and internal leave request and certification processes.
Explain progressive discipline, investigatory steps, appeal rights, and circumstances that may trigger immediate termination.
Provide a signature block and date for employee acknowledgement and retention instructions for HR records and audits.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Employee signs first; HR receives final copy |
| Authentication | Email link or SMS code for identity assurance |
| Reminders | Auto-reminders after 3 and 7 days |
| Storage | Save PDF with audit trail to HR records |
Verify platform encryption, access controls, and retention settings to align with internal policies and regulatory obligations.
Require signed acknowledgement within 7 days of distribution
Review and update annually or as law changes
Include rules with onboarding; acknowledgement at hire
Complete internal investigations within 30 days where possible
Retain final signed copy per records schedule
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |