Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Policy Manual
I need a policy manual that outlines the company's code of conduct, data protection policies, and remote work guidelines, ensuring compliance with Austrian labor laws and GDPR. The document should be clear, concise, and accessible to all employees, with sections for regular updates and employee acknowledgment.
What is a Policy Manual?
A Policy Manual serves as your organization's central rulebook, documenting all key internal procedures, standards, and operational guidelines. In Austrian companies, these manuals play a crucial role in meeting compliance requirements under the Unternehmensgesetzbuch (Commercial Code) and workplace safety regulations.
The manual typically covers everything from basic employee conduct to detailed operational procedures, helping staff understand their roles and responsibilities. It protects both employers and employees by clearly stating company policies on issues like data protection under the Austrian Data Protection Act, workplace safety protocols, and anti-discrimination measures. Regular updates keep it aligned with current Austrian labor laws and industry standards.
When should you use a Policy Manual?
Turn to your Policy Manual when onboarding new employees, handling workplace conflicts, or implementing major operational changes. It becomes especially important during Austrian labor inspections, helping demonstrate your compliance with workplace safety regulations and the Arbeitnehmerschutzgesetz (Employee Protection Act).
The manual proves invaluable during internal audits, mergers, or when expanding operations across Austria. It helps resolve disputes by providing clear reference points for company procedures and expectations. During regulatory investigations or employee grievances, a well-maintained Policy Manual serves as crucial documentation of your organization's commitment to legal compliance and fair treatment.
What are the different types of Policy Manual?
- Core Policy Manuals outline basic company rules, workplace conduct, and compliance with Austrian labor laws
- Departmental Policy Manuals focus on specific unit procedures, like HR policies or IT security protocols
- Industry-Specific Manuals adapt to sector requirements, such as manufacturing safety standards or financial services regulations
- Comprehensive Corporate Manuals combine all policies, procedures, and compliance requirements into one master document
- Quick-Reference Manuals provide simplified summaries of key policies for daily operations and employee guidance
Who should typically use a Policy Manual?
- HR Directors and Legal Teams: Draft and maintain the Policy Manual, ensuring compliance with Austrian labor laws and company standards
- Department Managers: Implement policies, provide feedback for updates, and ensure their teams understand and follow procedures
- Employees: Must read, understand, and follow the manual's guidelines as part of their employment terms
- Works Council (Betriebsrat): Reviews and provides input on policies affecting employee rights and working conditions
- External Auditors: Reference the manual during compliance reviews and certification processes
How do you write a Policy Manual?
- Organizational Review: Map out existing procedures, departmental needs, and current workplace practices
- Legal Requirements: Compile relevant Austrian labor laws, industry regulations, and Works Council agreements
- Stakeholder Input: Gather feedback from department heads and key employees about operational needs
- Content Structure: Our platform helps organize policies logically, ensuring all mandatory elements are included
- Clear Language: Write policies in both German and English using simple, direct language for better understanding
- Review Process: Plan regular updates and establish approval procedures for policy changes
What should be included in a Policy Manual?
- Company Information: Full legal name, address, and registration details as per Austrian Commercial Code
- Scope Statement: Clear definition of which employees and locations the manual covers
- Data Protection: GDPR compliance measures and internal data handling procedures
- Employment Terms: Working hours, leave policies, and conduct guidelines per Austrian Labor Law
- Health & Safety: Workplace safety protocols required by ArbeitnehmerInnenschutzgesetz
- Approval Section: Signatures from management and Works Council (if applicable)
- Review Process: Procedures for updating policies and communicating changes
What's the difference between a Policy Manual and a Compliance and Ethics Policy?
A Policy Manual differs significantly from a Compliance and Ethics Policy in both scope and application. While both documents support organizational governance, they serve distinct purposes in Austrian business operations.
- Scope and Coverage: A Policy Manual is comprehensive, containing all company policies and procedures, while a Compliance and Ethics Policy focuses specifically on regulatory compliance and ethical standards
- Legal Structure: The Policy Manual serves as the master document that references and incorporates other policies, including the Compliance Policy, making it hierarchically superior
- Update Frequency: Policy Manuals require updates when any company policy changes, while Compliance Policies typically change only with significant regulatory or ethical requirement shifts
- Implementation: Policy Manuals provide detailed operational guidelines, whereas Compliance Policies establish principles and standards without specific procedural instructions
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.