Author Offers Advice for Implementing Sound Employment Practices

Human Resource Policies and Procedures for Nonprofit Organizations
by Carol L. Barbeito

This book outlines the ways a nonprofit group can create a work environment that attracts talented employees and encourages them to stay.

Carol L. Barbeito, a consultant, recommends that managers draft statements about their employment practices so that employees understand how their organization’s human-resources department operates. She says that nonprofit groups should clarify the relationships between managers and their subordinates, and recommends that organizations adopt policies that encourage employees to voice complaints and ideas to their superiors.

Her book also describes the proper procedures for recruiting, hiring, and firing employees. She provides information on key aspects of human-resource policies, such as conducting employee background checks and providing staff members with personnel-policy manuals.

Other chapters focus on compensation policies, supervision, employment conditions, administration, client services, and managing volunteers. Ms. Barbeito offers examples of policies, procedures, and forms as well as checklists designed to help nonprofit managers put new policies into practice.

The book also shows charities how to reduce the risk of lawsuits. For example, Ms. Barbeito includes a chapter on civil-rights and nondiscrimination laws in which she discusses how organizations can be certain they are complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act and other laws.

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 111 River Street, Hoboken, N.J. 07030; (877) 762-2974; http://www.wiley.com; 189 pages; $75; ISBN 0-471-64423-4.