Don’t Create 10+ Policies, Start with These 3

Why You Don’t Need a Handbook (Yet)

When you're building a company from scratch, it's tempting to believe you need a comprehensive employee handbook, 10+ polished policies covering everything from office pets to printer usage.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need 10+ policies to look legitimate.

You need the right ones at the right time.

Startups are built in sprints. Policies should follow suit, lean, strategic, and tied to your most pressing risks and goals.

So instead of overengineering your company manual, start here

1. The Expense Policy – Build Trust While Controlling Costs

Early hires need to make decisions quickly. That includes knowing what’s okay to expense and what’s not.

A simple, transparent expense policy saves you from awkward conversations and misuse. It also gives employees autonomy with clear boundaries.

What to include:

• What’s reimbursable (e.g., travel, tools, client meals)
• Spending limits and approval process
• Receipt and submission timeline

Why it matters:
Without this, people will either overspend or slow down waiting for permission. Neither helps your burn rate.

2. Stock Options & Compensation Policy -  Set Expectations Early

Equity is one of your biggest assets. But if your team doesn’t understand their offer or how vesting works, it creates confusion, or worse, resentment.

Use this policy to educate and align. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just clear.

What to include:

• How stock options work in your company
• Vesting schedule basics
• What happens if someone leaves before their equity is fully vested

Why it matters:
It shows you’re serious about sharing upside, and it helps avoid misunderstandings that can hurt morale or future fundraising rounds.

3. Health & Safety Policy - A Signal of Care (Especially for Hybrid Teams)

Whether your team is in-office, remote, or hybrid, they need to know you’ve got their back.

A basic health and safety policy proves that you’re thinking about their well-being, physically and mentally.

What to include:

• A safe work-from-home setup checklist
• What to do in case of an emergency (physical or mental health)
• Access to health benefits, leave, or wellness support

Why it matters:
Even scrappy startups can lead with empathy. A small policy here says: “We take care of our people.”

Bottom Line

Before you start building a 40-page employee manual, pause.

These three policies cover:

✅ How money moves
✅ How equity is shared
✅ How people are protected

That’s a strong foundation.

Once these are in place, you can add more as your team grows and your needs evolve.

But for now?
Start lean. Start smart. Start here.