What is an Employment Handbook Review?
An employment handbook is a document that contains comprehensive information about your company, workplace policies, and more. It’s usually provided to employees when they’re onboarded in the company, but it should also be drafted to minimize a company’s risk of legal disputes.
If you need to review your company’s employment handbook, read the rest of this article for information it typically includes, how to review it, and why you should consider hiring a qualified lawyer to review it for you. Legal guidance will give you peace of mind that it’s clear and protects parties’ rights.
What Key Terms are in an Employment Handbook?
An employment handbook usually contains the following essential components that you should review for clarity.
- Mission statement. This outlines the company’s values and vision.
- Workplace policies. This section explains the company’s employee expectations, such as in terms of dress code and technology use.
- Compensation. This outlines how payments are structured. It should include details such as minimum wage, payroll practices, and overtime rules.
- Benefits. These are the benefits employees will receive, but it should include guidelines for eligibility.
- Employee rights. This summarizes what rights employees have, such as the right to equal and fair pay.
- Work schedules. The handbook must specify guidelines and rules for workplace attendance, work hours, and punctuality. By setting clear expectations, employees will understand their duties.
- Performance. This explains how employees’ work will be evaluated. It should break down performance evaluation measures and how employees are promoted.
- Disciplinary policies. Employees need to know what qualifies as misconduct and what punitive actions the company will take if employees violate company policies.
- Health and safety. To protect employees, the handbook should include emergency procedures and other rules for maintaining health in the workplace.
- Classification. How the employees are classified, such as with full-time or part-time employment, is required to ensure compliance.
- Termination. This outlines processes for ending the employment agreement, such as how much notice is required.
What are Tips for Reviewing an Employment Handbook?
When reviewing an employment handbook, there are specific things to consider so that you don’t miss any important information that could put you at risk.
Read the Full Document
During your review, carefully read the entire handbook. You should check that you understand everything, as vague or confusing language can result in misinterpretation that increases your risk of disputes.
Research State and Federal Laws
You should know what state and federal laws apply to information you have to disclose to your employees. This will help you to flag any incorrect information in the employment handbook.
Check for Accessibility
An employment handbook must be accessible, such as with italics, graphics, and separate sections. This makes it easier for people to read and understand. It’s also good to include real-world scenarios when explaining anything complex in the handbook.
Look for Anti-Discrimination Clauses
Your employment handbook should include anti-discriminatory and anti-harassment sections. Without them, your company can be at risk of legal consequences.
Review it Regularly
You shouldn’t just review your employment handbook once and then forget about it. It should be reviewed and updated annually so that you reflect any modifications to your workplace policies or changes in employment laws. You should review the handbook with your managers or HR specialists so that you get a thorough review.
Notify your employees whenever changes are made to the employment handbook.
Ensure Employee Acknowledgment
When your employment handbook is ready to go, don’t forget to include a signed acknowledgment for your employees. This proves that they have received the handbook and read through it.
Check Policy Enforcement
When reviewing your employment handbook policies, you want to ensure that they’re being practiced by your employees. If your handbook guidelines aren’t being enforced in real life, this can result in problems should your company have to deal with litigation, so consistency is key.
Why Should a Lawyer Review Your Employment Handbook?
It’s common practice to hire a lawyer to review your employment handbook so that you stay updated on all required laws in your jurisdiction and avoid violating any rules that can lead to legal trouble.
Here are some ways in which a lawyer will assist you with an employment handbook review:
- They’ll check that the employment handbook complies with all relevant employment laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.
- They’ll spot red flags, such as policies that accidentally violate employee rights, protecting you from potential legal disputes.
- They’ll avoid ambiguous language that can create uncertainty or misinterpretations.
- They’ll customize the employment handbook according to your industry, company workforce, and operational risks.
- They’ll update the handbook when required, such as if employment laws have changed.
- They’ll help you navigate disputes should conflict arise.
Where to Find a Lawyer for Employment Handbook Review
If you need to hire a lawyer for employment handbook review, you don’t have to struggle to find a reputable, experienced one. You can easily connect with a qualified lawyer on ContractsCounsel. As one of the largest online legal marketplaces, ContractsCounsel gives you access to a network of vetted lawyers.
You can easily request that a lawyer on the platform reviews your employment handbook by following these easy steps online:
1. Go to the ContractsCounsel marketplace, where you can post your project for free. Include a few details of what you require so you match with the most suitable lawyers.
2. Wait for lawyer bids. You’ll receive multiple bids from lawyers directly on the platform who are ready to assist you.
3. Review lawyer profiles. Once you receive the lawyer bids, you should take some time to review the lawyers' profiles. There’s lots of info on the platform to help you choose the best lawyer, such as their location, client ratings, years of experience, and field of expertise.
4. Connect with a lawyer you think is best suited to your requirements and hire them to review your employment handbook.
