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SHRM Employee Handbook Builder
What SHRM Employee Handbook Builder is
SHRM Employee Handbook Builder is a browser-based service for creating and maintaining customized employee handbooks. Its pre-populated policies are vetted by employment law firm Jackson Lewis and cover federal guidance, all 50 states, and applicable city-specific policies. During the annual subscription, users receive alerts about state and federal law changes, and the handbook updates automatically. After purchase, an online FMLA interview determines applicable policies and provides policy language. Employers can add logos and custom policies, and adjust fields, watermarks, headers, and footers. Employees access the online handbook through a custom link and login, while employers can print copies; professional printing costs extra. The cloud builder works from any internet-connected computer, tablet, or smart device. Each subscription covers one legal entity. Outside handbook language cannot be imported, though provided language can be amended or replaced after review. The Premium Employee Handbook Builder costs $499 a year, billed annually, and includes all 50 states and federal updates.
Who it suits
This builder suits employers creating one organization’s handbook with U.S. federal, state, and applicable city policies. It is intended for a single legal entity rather than consultants serving multiple clients.
What it does well
- Policies cover all 50 states
- Automatic updates and regulatory alerts
- Custom logos, policies, and formatting
- Browser access on computers and smart devices
- Online employee access and printing
What to know first
- Costs $499 a year
- Each subscription covers one legal entity
- No free plan or free trial
- Cannot import outside handbook language
Limits
The $499.00 USD annual plan covers one legal entity. Professional printing costs extra, and users must amend supplied language rather than import an outside handbook.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Employee Handbook Builder | annual subscription · All 50 states and federal updates · One legal entity per subscription | $499 a year |
As shrm.org lists them, read 3 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the SHRM Employee Handbook Builder website
- Purchase the Premium Employee Handbook Builder annual subscription
- Complete the post-purchase FMLA interview
- Review the supplied policy provisions
- Add your logo, custom policies, and formatting fields
- Share the custom employee link or print copies
Verdict
SHRM Employee Handbook Builder provides customizable, browser-based handbooks with broad U.S. policy coverage and update alerts. Its annual subscription is limited to one legal entity, and existing outside text must be reviewed within the provided content.
Questions
How much does it cost?
The Premium Employee Handbook Builder costs $499 a year, billed annually.
Is there a free plan or trial?
No. SHRM lists neither a free plan nor a free trial.
Which platforms are supported?
It is browser-based and works on computers, tablets, and smart devices with an internet connection.
What jurisdictions are covered?
The policy library includes all 50 states, federal updates, and applicable city-specific policies.
Can employees view the handbook online?
Yes. Employees use a custom link and login, and employers can also print copies.
Can I import an existing handbook?
No. Outside language cannot be imported, but supplied provisions can be amended or replaced after review.
Facts from SHRM Employee Handbook Builder's own pages
- Access
- The cloud-based, browser-accessible builder works from any computer with an internet connection, including tablets and smart devices. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Audience and entity limit
- Each subscription is valid for one legal entity, and SHRM says the product is not suitable for independent consultants creating handbooks for multiple client organizations. · store.shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Users can add a company logo and custom policies, and customize fields, watermarks, headers, and footers. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Employee access
- Employees can access the online handbook through a custom link and login, and employers can also print copies. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- FMLA interview
- After purchase, users complete a short online interview about FMLA to determine applicable policies and receive policy language. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1948 · shrm.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Washington, D.C. area, United States · shrm.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Import limitation
- Users cannot import outside handbook language, but can amend or replace the provided language after reviewing each provision. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The product page describes browser-based handbook access and does not state any integrations. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Policy content
- Its pre-populated policies are vetted by employment law firm Jackson Lewis and reflect federal and state workplace compliance guidance. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Printing
- Professional printing services are available at an additional cost. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- The builder creates and maintains customized employee handbooks with digital and printer-friendly access. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Security
- SHRM says the handbook is hosted on secured servers and can be accessed privately and securely online. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- State coverage
- The platform includes policies for all 50 states, federal updates, and applicable city-specific policies. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Updates
- Subscribers receive alerts about state and federal law changes during the annual subscription term, and the handbook is automatically updated. · shrm.org, 3 Oct 2026
Where SHRM Employee Handbook Builder stands on Freedom251
- HR Compliance Software#23 of 27