Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

Which of the following phrases should be eliminated from a company handbook?

1. Permanent employee

2. Probation period

3. No social media use

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

The reasoning behind the elimination of all the listed phrases from a company handbook is rooted in modern HR practices and legal considerations. When considering "permanent employee," it is important to recognize the trend towards flexibility in employment arrangements. Instead of designating employees as permanent, many organizations are adopting terms like "regular" or "full-time" to reflect job security without implying an indefinite commitment. This change aligns with the growing gig economy and the increased use of contract and part-time employees, thereby ensuring that the language in handbooks does not suggest obligations that may not exist. The phrase "probation period" is often viewed negatively by employees, as it can foster a sense of insecurity or the impression that their performance is constantly under scrutiny. Well-being and trust are crucial elements in employee engagement; therefore, many companies prefer to emphasize onboarding and development rather than a probationary status, creating a more positive and supportive atmosphere from the outset. No social media use can be considered overly restrictive in today's digital world, where social media presence is common and often beneficial for brand promotion and networking. Instead of outright bans, organizations might encourage responsible and positive social media engagement while establishing guidelines for maintaining professionalism and discretion in communications related to the company. Thus, by removing these phrases,