Best Practices for Drafting and Revising Employee Handbooks
Presented by Epstein Becker Green Attorney:
Evan M. Rosen
Employee handbooks are an important communication tool for disseminating information to employees about policies and procedures. But employee handbooks have increasingly become "Exhibit A" in employment litigation, by both plaintiffs and defendants. Plaintiffs' lawyers have used policies in an employee handbook to challenge employee terminations and discipline, refusals to grant leave of absences, and requests for reasonable accommodation, and as evidence in discrimination, harassment, or retaliation cases. In contrast, employers may use a well-drafted employee handbook as an affirmative defense in hostile work environment and certain wage and hour cases, and to defeat discrimination cases by showing that policies are consistently and uniformly applied.
In recent years, there has been a host of new employment legislation, amendments, and regulations that should be reflected in your company's handbook. In particular, employee handbooks should be updated following changes to the Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as the passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. Moreover, Internet and social networking policies are increasingly scrutinized by courts. It is imperative that your company stay legally compliant.
This presentation will provide a nuts-and-bolts review of the key provisions that should be included in an employee handbook, as well as a list of best practices to help your company avoid legal liability.
Registration is Complimentary.
To register, please click here.
For additional information, please contact Elizabeth Gannon or call 202-861-1850.