Induction Handbooks
An effective induction handbook does more than welcome a new employee, it sets the tone for their experience with your business. It outlines your company culture, core values, expectations, and essential operational information, ensuring new team members feel informed, valued, and aligned with your business from the outset.
A well-structured induction handbook helps reduce confusion, accelerates the onboarding process, and supports engagement by giving employees a clear understanding of how your organisation works and what is expected of them.
Service Inclusions
- Integration of Existing Materials — We review and incorporate your current onboarding documents, ensuring consistency and relevance.
- Drafting, Feedback and Finalisation — Collaborative review process with your input.
Why It Matters
- Strengthens First Impressions and sets the foundation for positive working relationships.
- Reduces Turnover by supporting a smooth onboarding experience that fosters employee confidence and retention.
- Promotes Consistency in people management and operations.
- Ensures Consistency in how key information is communicated to all new starters.
Review Checklist
- Essential Content Areas — What we believe every induction handbook should cover.
- Existing Content — Review to ensure your handbook content is aligned and consistent.
- Recommended Additions or Updates — Identified opportunities for improvement or alignment with best practice.
Employment Contracts
Employment contracts are the cornerstone of the employment relationship. They clearly define the rights, obligations, and expectations of both employer and employee, setting out key terms such as role, remuneration, working hours, and conditions.
A well-drafted contract does more than formalise employment, it protects your business, ensures compliance with industrial relations laws, and helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes. Contracts also serve as a key reference point throughout the employment lifecycle, from onboarding to performance management and termination.
Service Inclusions
- Contract Review and Recommendations — Emerson Consultancy will review your existing contracts, identify risks, and recommend improvements that reflect legislative requirements and best practice.
- Integration with Policies and Procedures — We ensure your contracts align with your policies, so there is no conflict between documented terms and workplace expectations.
- Legal Review Recommendation — While we prepare comprehensive drafts, we recommend a final review by a legal professional to ensure compliance with the latest employment laws and relevant industrial instruments.
Why It Matters
- Defines Legal Rights and Obligations for both employer and employee.
- Aligns with Workplace Practices to ensure consistency across employment documentation.
- Mitigates Risk in disputes, claims, or audits by maintaining documented evidence of processes followed.
- Protects the Business by setting clear terms from the outset of the employment relationship.
Review Checklist
- Essential Contract Inclusions — Key terms we believe every employment contract should contain.
- Existing Terms and Clauses — Review elements already present in current contracts to ensure your documents are aligned and consistent.
- Recommended Additions or Amendments — Areas we suggest developing, refining, or updating to ensure legal compliance and alignment with your HR framework.
Turnkey Solutions
A strong HR foundation extends beyond policies, procedures, and contracts. Emerson Consultancy offers a range of additional bespoke services designed to support sustainable business growth, enhance employee performance, and meet evolving workforce needs.
These services can be engaged as your business requires, providing flexible, tailored support aligned with your strategic goals.
Posssible Inclusions
- Position Descriptions Development — Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations to support recruitment, performance, and clarity in the workplace.
- Performance Management Tools and Frameworks — Implement structured tools to promote ongoing feedback, support development, and drive accountability.
- Individual Training and Development Plans — Foster employee growth with customised development plans that align with business needs and career progression.
- Workplace Health and Safety Advice — Practical guidance on WHS obligations, including officer duties and compliance with relevant legislation.
- Employee Relations Support— Supporting grievance management, disciplinary matters, and performance interventions to ensure fair process and compliance.
- Risk Assessment and Compliance Audits — Supporting organisations with periodic reviews to assess HR risks, legislative compliance, and process gaps
- Workforce Planning and Organisational Chart Development — Plan for future business needs with clear structures, succession planning, and effective resource allocation.
- Diversity and Inclusion Strategies — Support a respectful, inclusive workplace with strategies that promote diversity, equity, and positive workplace culture.
Why It Matters
- These additional services strengthen your people practices, support business growth, and ensure your workplace is safe, compliant, and high-performing.
- By addressing these areas proactively, you create a workplace environment that attracts, retains, and nurtures great people.
Review Checklist
- Essential Policies — Core compliance and risk mitigation tools.
- Existing Policies — Review to ensure a robust HR framework.
- Recommended Developments — Areas identified for creation or update.
