Written by Jennifer Hanson, Legal Counsel
After a two-year focus on COVID-19 and related issues including financial impacts and employee retention, employers have understandably been stretched just to keep businesses running. Many have had little time to consider things like training and reviewing handbooks. However, as things hopefully return to a more normal state, employers should remember that the law has continued to evolve over the last two years and the pandemic, along with changed work conditions, may have highlighted issues that need to be addressed through new or revised policies and training. High turnover rates may also necessitate training for new employees and new personalities and working relationships may warrant a refresh of policies and updated training for all.
A well-drafted handbook outlines employer expectations, employee rights, and responsibilities, and provides legally required information. Ideally, your handbook addresses common questions regarding the work environment and compensation (including benefits such as sick leave, vacation, etc.), and provides clear guidance regarding how employees should handle problems that may arise during the employment relationship. Thoughtfully drafted policies provide a roadmap for supervisors, managers, and HR departments when faced with issues of discipline, investigations, leave, and more.
Having strong policies and providing regular training can provide employers with valuable defenses in response to certain claims against the employer. Effective training can alert employees, supervisors, and managers to types of behavior that fall outside the organization’s code of conduct and expectations for professional behavior before those actions rise to the level of illegal actions. Catching undesirable behavior early allows employers to take corrective action before serious damage occurs.
Employers should be consistently following their own policies as outlined in the handbook. If policies are not being followed, the policies need to change or managers and supervisors need to be brought into conformity with the processes and expectations described in the handbook. Annual review of policies and regular training allows employers the opportunity to ensure that the organization’s policies reflect the current makeup of their workforce, the work being performed, and the organization’s practices. For example, many employers are now allowing employees to work from home. Employers should have work-from-home policies that take into account the current work environment, including reporting structures, timekeeping expectations, equipment usage, and confidentiality requirements, among other topics.
The Associated Industries Sample Handbook can be accessed through the member portal on the A.I. website. In addition to a copy of the sample handbook is a redline version of the document highlighting changes from the 2021 version. A quick review of the sample handbook offers valuable information related to changes to the law and best practices.
