--- title: One of our employees refuses to sign the handbook. What should we do? - Ahola description: An employee handbook can form the first line of defense in an employment lawsuit or investigation. What should you do if an employee refuses to sign it? image: https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/signature.jpg --- Start typing and press Enter to search * * # One of our employees refuses to sign the handbook. What should we do? [Home](https://www.ahola.com/) » [News & Events](https://blog.ahola.com/one-of-our-employees-refuses-to-sign-the-handbook-what-should-we-do) » One of our employees refuses to sign the handbook. What should we do? [2020-10-07%2009:15:41](2020-10-07%2009:15:41) ![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/signature.jpg) ## One of our employees refuses to sign the handbook. What should we do? By [ aholaadmin ](https://blog.ahola.com/author/aholaadmin)  Posted [ October 7, 2020](2020-10-07%2009:15:41)  In  [Human Resources](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/human-resources), [Safety](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/safety), [Employees](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/employees) - - - - - First things first, talk to them about why they don’t want to sign the handbook. There may be an easily resolved misunderstanding about what their signature on this document means. If that conversation doesn’t solve the problem, and you still want them to work for you, make it clear that failure to sign the handbook does not mean they’re exempt from the policies, procedures, or expectations it describes. They will be expected to follow the same rules and will be held to the same standards as their co-workers, regardless of whether they signed the acknowledgement. If they still refuse to sign—even after understanding that their lack of signature doesn’t get them out of following your policies—you’ll want to document that in some fashion. For instance, ask them to write, “I refuse to sign” on the acknowledgement form and make your own note that you communicated that their refusal to sign didn’t mean they were exempt from your policies. If possible, call in another manager to serve as a witness to this conversation, and have them document what happened as well. Here are [**more resources**](https://www.ahola.com/8-ways-an-employee-handbook-can-create-a-great-workplace/) on how an employee handbook can help create a great workplace. Looking for assistance creating or updating your employee handbook? Our HR Consultants can help you today. [**Learn more and request a quote.**](https://www.ahola.com/request-a-demo/) ### Reply a Comment ## RELATED POSTS [![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-BhtuPW.jpeg) ](https://blog.ahola.com/which-employee-benefits-should-you-offer) [Which Employee Benefits Should You Offer?](https://blog.ahola.com/which-employee-benefits-should-you-offer) [![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/zoom-meeting.jpg) ](https://blog.ahola.com/employee-retention-and-remote-work) [Employee Retention and Remote Work](https://blog.ahola.com/employee-retention-and-remote-work) [![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-YlFJQn.jpeg) ](https://blog.ahola.com/what-do-we-do-if-an-employee-is-diagnosed-with-covid-19) [What do we do if an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19?](https://blog.ahola.com/what-do-we-do-if-an-employee-is-diagnosed-with-covid-19) ## SUBSCRIBE ### Recent posts - [Professionalizing HR Without Losing Your Family Culture ](https://blog.ahola.com/professionalizing-hr-without-losing-your-family-culture) - [Why Encouraging Employees to Take Summer Vacation Benefits Your Workplace ](https://blog.ahola.com/why-encouraging-employees-to-take-summer-vacation-benefits-your-workplace) - [Ahola Named a 2026 Top Workplace — Six Years Running! ](https://blog.ahola.com/ahola-named-a-2026-top-workplace) - ### Topics - [Affordable Care Act (13)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/affordable-care-act) - [Benefits (223)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/benefits) - [Cybersecurity (1)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/cybersecurity) - [Employee Engagement (255)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/employee-engagement) - [Employees (603)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/employees) - [Family Business Insights (10)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/family-business-insights) - [Hiring (282)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/hiring) - [Human Resources (645)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/human-resources) - [Laws/Policies (26)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/laws-policies) - [Managing COVID-19 (153)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/managing-covid-19) - [News Release (56)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/news-release) - [Offboarding (3)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/offboarding) - [onboarding (7)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/onboarding) - [Payroll (428)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/payroll) - [Recruiting (142)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/recruiting) - [Safety (121)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/safety) - [Tax Compliance (230)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/tax-compliance) - [Time & Attendance (124)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/time-attendance) - [Training & Development (214)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/training-development) - [Trending Topic (75)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/trending-topic) - [Uncategorized (1)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/uncategorized) - [Webinars (69)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/webinars) - [Workers Comp (1)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/workers-comp) [see all topics](https://blog.ahola.com/one-of-our-employees-refuses-to-sign-the-handbook-what-should-we-do#) ### GENERAL DISCLAIMER This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and cannot constitute legal advice, because the authors are not licensed attorneys. Readers should not rely or act upon any information presented on this blog without seeking professional legal counsel. The views expressed in each post are those of the author, and the author alone; they are not the views of Ahola. The information provided in this blog is general, and based on information available as of the date of publishing. Information herein is provided on an “as is” or “as available” basis; we make no warranty of any kind to you regarding the information provided and disclaim any liability for damages from use of the blog or its content. Please consult an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular question or issue. [![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/cyber-s.jpg) Phishing Emails Targeting Employees First things first, talk to... ](https://blog.ahola.com/phishing-emails-targeting-employees) [![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/medical-mar.jpg) [Download Guide] 2020 Marijuana Laws Affecting Employers First things first, talk to... ](https://blog.ahola.com/download-guide-2020-marijuana-laws-affecting-employers)