The Importance of Reviewing Your Employee Handbook

In today’s litigious environment, it is vital for employers to have written policies in place that set forth their protocols with regard to a wide variety of legal issues. These policies may also serve as important defenses in the event of litigation. 

Why You Should Review Your Employee Handbook 

As an employer, reviewing your employee handbook on a regular basis is crucial for several reasons.  Employment laws and regulations are subject to change over time. By reviewing your employee handbook, you can ensure that your policies and practices are up to date and in compliance with the latest legal requirements. An employee handbook provides guidelines and standards that promote consistency and fairness in your organization. By regularly reviewing the handbook, you can ensure that the policies and procedures are applied consistently to all employees.

Your employee handbook is an opportunity to communicate your company’s culture, values, and expectations to your employees. By reviewing it, you can ensure that the content aligns with your current organizational goals and values, fostering a positive work environment and reinforcing your company’s identity. An updated employee handbook ensures that your policies and procedures are clearly communicated to your employees. It provides them with a comprehensive resource that they can refer to when they have questions or need guidance. Regular review of your handbook helps identify any ambiguities or outdated information that may confuse employees and lead to misunderstandings.

How Often Should Your Employee Handbook Be Reviewed? 

As a general guideline, it’s recommended to review your employee handbook at least once a year. However, it’s important to note that circumstances may require more frequent reviews. For instance, if you operate in a highly regulated industry or if there have been recent legal changes that impact your organization, more frequent reviews may be necessary to stay compliant.

What to Look For When Reviewing Your Employee Handbook 

When reviewing your employee handbook, there are several key areas to review, such as the following: 

Legal Compliance

Ensure that your policies and procedures are in compliance with federal, and state employment laws and regulations. Check for any updates or changes in legislation that may require revisions to your handbook.

Clarity

Make sure your policies are written in a clear, concise, and understandable manner. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse employees. 

Consistency: 

Check for consistency in your policies and procedures throughout the handbook. Ensure that similar topics are treated consistently and that there are no conflicting statements or guidelines.

Accuracy 

Verify that the information provided in the handbook is accurate and up to date. Remove any outdated or obsolete policies, procedures, or references. 

Benefits 

Check the section on employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and any other perks or benefits offered by your organization. Ensure that the information is accurate and reflects the current offerings.

Reporting Procedures

Review the procedures for reporting workplace misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or other policy violations. Ensure that employees are aware of their rights and the appropriate channels to raise concerns or complaints.

Consult With an Employment Law Attorney While Reviewing Your Employee Handbook

It is vital that all businesses have Employee Handbooks in place and consistently update them to comply with ever-changing employment laws. CMS Employment Attorneys are well-versed in drafting and updating Employee Handbooks. If your business needs an Employee Handbook or your business needs to update your Employee Handbook, please contact Curcio Mirzaian Sirot LLC.