While the lack of a specific rule doesn’t mean you can’t discipline an employee for misconduct, the existence of a rule or standard can make your life a lot easier.
Seth, one of your supervisors, comes to you pretty distraught one day. It turns out that Sara, one of his subordinates, has been badmouthing him on Facebook. Seth has pretty tough skin, and he tells you that her comments go far beyond normal criticism.
In addition to complaining that Seth is a bad supervisor, Sara called him some horrible names and implied that he is into child pornography. Seth wants to terminate her, but you are unable to pinpoint a policy that establishes rules and expectations for that type of personal conduct outside of work.
Your hands certainly aren’t tied because you’re missing this policy, but wouldn’t it be great if you had one you could readily point to?
All the California employee handbook policies you need — already written and fully updated.
Similarly, the lack of a policy – for example, a religious accommodation policy — doesn’t mean your organization isn’t supportive of employees’ religious beliefs. However, having such a policy demonstrates your company’s position on the issue.
Important Policies To Keep In Mind
For starters, you should consider including policies in your handbook that cover the following topics:
- code of conduct;
- telecommuting (if applicable);
- criminal history;
- social media use;
- solicitation/distribution;
- leaves of absence (other than medical, domestic violence, and caregiver leave, jury duty, and the like);
- religious accommodation;
- Americans with Disabilities Act/Fair Employment and Housing Act;
- personnel files;
- workplace investigations; and
- vacation pay upon termination.
Need Policies? We Got ‘Em.
A handbook can be a valuable tool for your business, or it can be a source of confusion (and even litigation). Treat your handbook with the respect that it deserves as a vital communication link to your employees. Spend time developing it, update it periodically, and have it reviewed by experts.
Even better, let us take the drafting work off your plate for you. Our California Employee Handbook Template includes 101 vital policies — written specifically for employers in California — including:
- At-Will Employment
- Employee Classifications
- Social Media Code of Conduct
- Right to Observe Employees
- Voice Mail, Email, Electronic and Computer Files, and Usage
- Appearance and Courtesy; Uniforms
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Harassment Prohibited
- Retaliation Prohibited
- Bullying Prohibited
- Accommodation of Disabilities
- Zero Tolerance for Drugs or Alcohol in the Workplace
- Terminations
- Final Pay
- Progressive Discipline
- Rest Periods
- Meal Periods
- Overtime Pay, Authorization, and Mandatory Overtime
- Payroll Deductions
- Travel Time Pay
- Bereavement Leave
- COBRA Coverage for Health Insurance
- And 79 more!
Click here for a full Table of Contents.
All of the policies are fully editable and customizable — when you order, you’ll get a link to editable Word versions of all 101 policies. You can start building your handbook right away!
All of the policies in the California Employee Handbook Template have been drafted by an experienced California employment lawyer. Plus, we’ve provided practical information for every single policy on:
- Which employers the policy applies to
- Which employees the policy applies to
- Whether the policy is required or optional
- Special considerations
It’s like having a California employment lawyer on call, working on your handbook 24/7, at a fraction of the cost!
Best of all, we’ll send you a brand-new edition each year so that you always have the most up-to-date policies available. Don’t delay — order today and get your handbook up to date once and for all.
Download your free copy of 20 Must-Have Employee Handbook Policies today!