California does not require employers to have a handbook. However, if you create a handbook, there are policies that must be included.No, employee handbooks are not required in California. However, having an employee handbook is still best practice for several reasons. Most employers are surprised to learn that California does not require companies to have an employee handbook. Learn how to write a employee handbook in California. Learn about California employee handbook requirements and optional California employee handbook policies, then find out how we take the work out of compliance. All workers have rights on the job. In California, you are not required to have an employee handbook. These are some of the sample policies you may wish to include in an employee handbook.