As the new year approaches, take some time to review your employee handbook and make sure it’s up-to-date:
- Even before the pandemic, most companies were starting to relax dress codes. Even as people have returned to work, it’s become clear that more casual business attire actually may acceptable on a regular basis. It also is advisable to look at policies about hairstyles. This isn’t just about what employees want. The CROWN Act actually bans race-based hair discrimination in the workplace.
- Work arrangements. Policies about hybrid or remote work, as well as flexible schedules should be clarified so that rules are applied consistently across the board.
- Technology policies, such as rules and responsibilities around cybersecurity, need to be outlined in detail. For instance, can employees purchase and use their own technology? Is multi-factor authentication required?
- Sick leave. Make sure these policies are compliant with current sick leave laws in your state and locality.
- Marijuana use and testing. As more states legalize marijuana use, you need policies that are in line with what is happening in your jurisdiction. For instance, in California, employers can’t discriminate against workers for legal marijuana use outside of work. Even if marijuana isn’t legal yet in your state, it is advisable to plan for that possible inevitability.
