Q. "How often do I need to update my staff handbook?"
Answer:
At least once a year. Your Staff Handbook not just as a set of rules, but a living document that stewards your ministry's mission and protects your people. The world changes quickly, and so do legal and operational best practices. At a minimum, review and make necessary revisions every year or, at most, every other year.
An annual review ensures you catch small changes in employment law, state/local regulations, and internal policies before they become major liabilities. This yearly rhythm is simply good stewardship—it keeps your ministry above reproach and sets clear, current expectations for your team.
Every five years, commit to a full, comprehensive review and rewrite. A complete overhaul at the five-year mark ensures the spirit and language of the document still reflect your current mission, values, and organizational structure, not just the technical, isolated policy changes. The small effort of an annual review and the committed work of a five-year overhaul is an investment in stability and clarity for your entire ministry team.