Are HR Manuals a Form of an Employment Contract?

Generally HR Manual are not forms of employee contracts, but it's tricky. Most good employee manuals have a disclaimer that denies any intent to form a contract. Nevertheless, one of the legal dangers of creating an HR manual is that many courts will see it as an "implied" employment contract, which could nullify "at-will" employment status. So an employee can sue you under a breach of contract theory when and if you fail to follow procedures outlined in your HR manual. The last thing you want your HR manual to do is unintentionally create an employment contract that invites potential legal hassles. A written disclaimer is your best defense against inadvertent employment contracts.