Keeping the employee handbook updated with the latest laws and company policies is a challenging, but necessary, task. 2018 was a busy year particularly at the state and local levels as new and amended employment-related laws took effect in 27 states. Here are 20 areas that may need attention. Employers are encouraged to discuss with knowledgeable counsel the local, state, and/or federal laws that will apply to the employer’s workplace in 2019:
- Sexual harassment
- Discrimination protection based on gender identity
- Retaliation procedures
- Reasonable accommodations for women who are pregnant or breast feeding
- Update to leave laws (supplement may be necessary for multi-state employers)
- Medical and recreational marijuana
- Drug use
- Equal pay and wage discrimination
- Use of cellphone while driving
- Independent contractors
- E-cigarettes and other tobacco substitutes
- Weapons in the workplace
- Changes to employee benefits
- Remote work policies
- Data privacy
- Social media
- Workplace conduct
- Arbitration and At-will acknowledgement
- Minimum wage
- Problem areas requiring a clearer policy or different strategy
Updating the handbook is also an opportunity to train managers and reinforce policies with employees. Employers should also obtain acknowledgments of receipt each time they update their handbooks.
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