Your employee handbook is one of the first documents a plaintiff's attorney will review. Many employers are slow to add new regulations to the handbook or stand-alone policies, which leaves gaps in protection.

This 90-minute webinar focuses on the major mistakes employers make when updating employee handbooks and how to avoid large penalties. Federal, state and local rules all shape workplace compliance, and when they conflict, the rule most favorable to employees applies.

You'll review which policies must be included, procedures employers often miss, NLRB positions on handbooks, at-will statements, dress codes, telework, complaint procedures, bystander reporting and how an employee assistance program (EAP) can help with employee relations issues.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

Whatever your state or headcount, you are subject to state and federal employment laws. A current handbook explains employees' rights and obligations and helps show that your organization works to comply. An outdated one can become a legal landmine in your risk strategy.

The session suits employers in all industries, business owners, company leadership, HR and compliance professionals, managers and supervisors.

AREA COVERED

• Policies that must be included and federal regulations to list in the handbook
• Procedures employers consistently miss
• Directory errors affecting COVID-19 vaccination records
• NLRB updates on employee handbooks
• Common mistakes
• Mask and vaccine policies, including workplace vaccine mandates
• Bystander discrimination and harassment reporting, and employer risk
• State rule changes on COVID-19 vaccine mandates and sexual harassment
• How at-will statements can lead to litigation
• When grooming and dress code policies become discriminatory
• Updating policies for the Supreme Court's 2020 ruling that Title VII covers sexual orientation
• Tracking COVID-19 reasonable accommodation requests to avoid disability and discrimination claims
• Writing telework policies that avoid legal risk
• Addressing OSHA workplace safety enforcement of vaccine mandates
• Using employee assistance programs (EAPs) to manage employee relations issues
• Why complaint procedures cause problems for employers

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Identify the policies your employee handbook must include
• Spot the procedures and errors employers most often miss
• Apply NLRB guidance when drafting handbook policies
• Write at-will, dress code and telework policies that reduce litigation risk
• Update policies for sexual orientation protections and bystander reporting
• Track accommodation requests to avoid discrimination claims
• Design complaint procedures and EAP use that support employee relations

WHO WILL BENEFIT?

• All Employers
• Business Owners
• Company Leadership
• Compliance professionals
• HR Professionals
• All professionals
• Compliance Professionals
• Managers/Supervisors
• Employers in all industries
• Small Business Owners