Updates for your 2021 Employee Handbook
- On 30 September 2020
- Posted by Chantal Mariotti
Even in these difficult times, employers should not put aside updating their Employee Handbook. The Employee Handbook is the core of your HR platform, ensuring that you are in compliance with not only all of the updated employment laws, but also your internal policies and practices.
2021 brings us many changes, so please – make sure you are in compliance and update your Employee Handbook. Here are just a few items you should know about for 2021:
Federal Laws
Equal Employment Opportunity. This policy should be updated to reflect Title VII (June 15, 2020), and the violation of terminating any employee for being gay or transgender.
Overtime. Revise language to reflect the updated Fair Labor Standards Act (FLAS) enacted January 1, 2020 regarding employee classifications, overtime and timekeeping.
Harassment in the Workplace. Update language to reflect new protected categories, per the US Supreme Court decision from June 15, 2020.
California Laws
Grooming Policy – Update language to add prohibition of harassment, discrimination or retaliation based on hairstyle. California Fair Employment and Housing Act of January 1, 2020.
Leaves of Absence – Update eligibility requirements under the California Family Rights Act of January 1, 2020. Update language regarding the increase of the paid family leave insurance benefits “duration”, as enacted July 1, 2020.
Lactation Policy – Update language in your employee handbook to address lactation break time requirements, facility requirements and any level violations and policy requirements as of January 1, 2020.
Organ Donor Leave – Update language with the additional time as required by California law.
Voting and Time Off – Ensure that your language protects employees and their time off to vote.
Child Bonding – (For San Francisco Employers) – Update language to reflect the supplemental compensation within the paid family leave insurance benefits, enacted July 1, 2020.
If you would like assistance in updating your employee handbook, our Senior HR Advisors are on stand-by. Contact us at 818-845-5584, or email info@ExecutiveHRConsulting.com
Be Well and Stay Safe!
