What is DirectiveHR?
DirectiveHR is a Canadian-based digital platform offering legally informed, editable HR policies, forms, checklists, and onboarding resources designed to meet the practical needs of small and growing businesses. We make HR simple, affordable, and accessible so you can stay focused on running your company.
I already use an HR software platform — can I still use DirectiveHR policies?
Absolutely. Many small businesses use HR platforms like BambooHR, Gusto, Humi, ADP, Rippling, or Monday.com to store, distribute, and track HR documents — but most of these platforms do not provide actual HR policy content. They act as document management systems, not content creators.
DirectiveHR fills that gap by offering professionally written, customizable, legally informed HR policies and forms. Once downloaded, you can easily:
- Upload our documents into your existing HR platform
- Assign them to team members for electronic review and acknowledgment
- Use them within onboarding workflows or compliance audits
- Track policy completion and revisions through your software
Quick Tip: Combine the power of your HR platform with our editable policies to build a truly compliant and well-documented HR system — without having to write everything from scratch.
Let DirectiveHR handle the content, so your platform can handle the distribution and tracking.
Are your policies compliant with Canadian laws?
Yes. Our materials are structured to align with federal and provincial employment standards, including the Ontario ESA and other applicable legislation. That said, employment law is complex and can vary by industry, location, and worker classification.
Important: All users should consult a qualified employment lawyer or HR consultant before formally implementing any new policy to ensure compliance with their specific circumstances.
Can I edit and brand the documents for my business?
Yes! Every download is fully editable in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. You can:
- Add your logo
- Update language to reflect your company tone
- Insert your workplace policies or values
- Modify key variables like vacation entitlements or payroll frequency
- We also include “Note to Client” sections in many documents to help you understand where edits are needed based on your unique workplace.
What types of documents are included?
We offer:
- Legally-informed HR policies
- Fillable forms for employees and employers
- Internal memos and onboarding tools
- Checklists for compliance and operational audits
- Client-facing forms (for businesses that need to share service documents with clients, like cleaning or landscaping companies)
Do you provide policies for specific industries?
Yes, DirectiveHR specializes in industry-focused HR bundles to help companies manage sector-specific risks and expectations. Current industries include:
- Cleaning (commercial & post-construction)
- Logistics & warehouse
- Dog grooming & mobile grooming
- Pool & landscaping companies
- Beauty industry (lashes, hair, aesthetics)
- Construction (subcontractors & general)
- …and many more in development. Custom industry requests are also welcome.
Can these be used to create an employee handbook?
Yes. We offer a Free Employee Handbook Guide and policy templates to help you create a complete, professional handbook. Many of our customers bundle policies from different categories to form their own manual tailored to company values and provincial laws.
Do you provide implementation instructions?
Yes. Our documents often include in-line “Implementation Notes” or“Tips for Use” for small business owners to understand:
- What sections require customization
- Where to add legal disclaimers
- How to introduce policies to staff
- Whether acknowledgement forms are needed
- These tips help you use the resources confidently and legally.
What happens if laws change?
DirectiveHR tracks major legislative changes and proactively updates our policy catalog to reflect new employment standards, leaves of absence, minimum wage updates, and compliance risks.
If a product you purchased is significantly updated, you may be eligible to receive the revised version as part of our ongoing client support (details provided per product).
How often should I update my HR policies?
At minimum, we recommend reviewing your policies:
- Annually
- When provincial or federal laws change
- When your company grows, restructures, or changes operations
- After an incident or internal complaint
- Keeping policies updated protects your business from liability and strengthens internal culture.
Do I need legal advice to use these?
Yes. While our documents are built to be legally aligned, we are not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice. Every business should seek guidance before rolling out any HR document. A lawyer or HR consultant can help you:
- Confirm legal compliance
- Customize for your workplace
- Avoid unintended risks in wording or application
Do you offer any free resources?
Yes — browse our store for limited-time free downloads that include:
- Ontario ESA Compliance Guide
- Free Employee Handbook Starter
- Breaks & Overtime Policy Sample
- HR Compliance Checklist
- These are perfect for businesses just starting to formalize their HR process.
What if I run a remote or hybrid team?
Many of our policies already include sections specific to remote, hybrid, or flexible work arrangements. You can also find add-on clauses and full templates addressing:
- Remote work policies
- Work-from-home expense agreements
- Time tracking protocols for distributed teams
Can I use these documents with my payroll or HR software?
Yes. All DirectiveHR files are compatible with standard platforms like:
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365
- Monday.com
- BambooHR, Gusto, and similar HRIS
- Policies can be uploaded to your shared drive or embedded into your onboarding flows.
Can I request a custom policy or industry bundle?
Yes — we take requests! If you're in a niche industry or need a specific policy (e.g., Drone Use Policy, Uniform Reimbursement Form, or Subcontractor Handbook), just send us a message. We’ll assess your needs and may fast-track creation if it serves a wider audience.
What are your file formats and delivery method?
All downloads are delivered instantly after purchase in .docx format (editable in Word or Google Docs). You’ll also receive:
- Instructions for use
- A policy summary page (in bundles)
- Notes where customization is needed
How can I get notified of new policies or updates?
Join our DirectiveHR email list for:
- New product releases
- Free resources and discount alerts
- Blog content and compliance updates
- Stay in the loop and stay compliant — without having to check government websites every week.
Our full digital catalog includes editable HR documents, all designed for compliance, clarity, and customization.
From single policies to industry bundles, everything is written in professional HR language and built for Canadian workplace laws.
The Directive HRAcademy is your go-to training hub for practical HR education—created specifically for Canadian small business owners and managers.