Students will collaborate to develop a comprehensive employee handbook for Resilient Hearts. This handbook will outline key policies, expectations, rights, and responsibilities of employees, aligning with the organization's mission of supporting individuals in the disability community. The project will involve research, drafting, reviewing, and finalizing the handbook, ensuring it meets legal and regulatory standards, as well as the unique needs of Resilient Hearts. 

Project Goals: 

1. To create a clear and concise employee handbook that provides all necessary information for employees regarding company policies, procedures, and culture. 
2. To ensure compliance with local labor laws and industry best practices. 
3. To reflect the mission and values of Resilient Hearts within the handbook. 
4. To provide a valuable resource for onboarding new employees and guiding current employees in their roles. 

Phase 1: Research and Planning (Weeks 1-2) 

Objective: Understand the organization's needs and legal requirements. 

• Meet with Resilient Hearts leadership to gather information on company culture, values, and specific needs. 
• Research employment laws relevant to community services and employee rights in Alberta. 
• Identify key components of a standard employee handbook. 

Phase 2: Handbook Drafting (Weeks 3-5) 

Objective: Draft an initial version of the handbook based on research findings. 

• Create an outline of the handbook. 
• Develop sections related to policies, procedures, and benefits. 
• Ensure alignment with the organization's mission and culture. 

Phase 3: Review and Revision (Weeks 6-7) 

Objective: Collaborate with Resilient Hearts to refine the handbook. 

• Present the draft to Resilient Hearts management for feedback. 
• Make necessary revisions based on feedback. 
• Ensure the handbook is clear, legally compliant, and easy to understand. 

Phase 4: Finalization and Presentation (Weeks 8-9) 

Objective: Finalize and present the handbook to Resilient Hearts. 

• Conduct a final review of the handbook, focusing on accuracy and clarity. 
• Prepare a presentation summarizing the development process, key features of the handbook, and its benefits for the organization. 
• Deliver the final version of the handbook to Resilient Hearts, along with recommendations for implementation. 

Evaluation Criteria: 

• Quality of Research: Thoroughness and accuracy of the research on legal requirements and industry standards. 
• Alignment with Organizational Needs: How well the handbook reflects the values, culture, and specific needs of Resilient Hearts. 
• Clarity and Usability: The handbook’s ease of use for employees and management. 
• Legal Compliance: Ensuring the handbook meets all legal and regulatory requirements. 
• Professionalism: Quality of the final product, including presentation, formatting, and attention to detail. 

Resources Provided: 

• Access to Resilient Hearts leadership for interviews and insights. 
• Sample handbooks from similar organizations. 
• Accreditation Guide and current policies and procedures. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Professional Writing and Communication: Developing a professional document that will be used by an organization. 
• Research Skills: Learning how to navigate employment laws and industry standards. 
• Team Collaboration: Working as a team to produce a cohesive final product. 
• Project Management: Managing timelines and deliverables in a real-world project.

Key Deliverables: 

Draft Handbook: A preliminary draft of the employee handbook covering areas such as:

• Employment policies (e.g., work hours, code of conduct, remote work) 
• Employee benefits and compensation 
• Anti-discrimination and harassment policies 
• Workplace safety and health guidelines 
• Confidentiality and data protection policies 
• Leave policies (sick leave, vacation, parental leave) 
• Performance evaluation and disciplinary actions 

Final Handbook: The completed and professionally reviewed employee handbook, ready for distribution to Resilient Hearts employees.