Employee handbooks are important tools for establishing employee expectations, addressing workplace issues, and defending against potential lawsuits. With employment laws often being complex and new regulatory developments occurring frequently, it is essential for employers to ensure their policies are up-to-date. Here are three employment policies employers should consider reviewing in 2023:
Pay Transparency
Pay transparency is the practice of an employer openly communicating pay-related information to prospective and current employees through established methods. Pay transparency provides many benefits, including increasing employee morale and reducing pay disparities. More employers are considering these policies to meet employee desires, even if they are in jurisdictions that do not require pay transparency.
Paid Leave
Paid leave laws ensure workers continue receiving a portion of their wages when they’re unable to work under certain circumstances. In 2022, many states and localities enacted paid leave laws. This year, several previously enacted leave laws became effective in various states and cities throughout the United States, with many other states proposing paid leave legislation. Employers should ensure their leave policies are current and comply with local laws. An employer’s leave policies can also clearly communicate eligibility to employees.
Employers that offer paid leave benefits to their employees may experience increased employee satisfaction and retention. Paid leave policies can also help maintain a healthy and productive workforce.
Remote and Hybrid Work Arrangements
With the ongoing pandemic, many employers have allowed employees to take advantage of flexible work arrangements. However, many have not updated their employment policies to adequately address these arrangements. These policies can set clear expectations surrounding employee work hours, communication, productivity, technology usage, and more.
Employers should consider reviewing and updating their remote and hybrid work policies to reflect the latest changes in regulatory and legal requirements. Clear and concise policies can help avoid confusion and ensure productivity and employee satisfaction.
Conclusion
Working with a HR or legal expert, employers can take steps to ensure their employment policies are current and reflect the most recent regulatory developments. It is crucial for employers to review and update their policies to comply with legal requirements and provide clarity to their employees. By doing so, employers can maintain a healthy and productive workforce while avoiding potential legal issues.
