What to Keep in Mind When Updating Workplace Policies

As employers, itis essential to routinely update your employee handbook and workplace policiesto ensure you comply with new and changing laws. Our firm would like to shareseveral points to keep in mind when updating policies.

Review yourcurrent policies. Consider whether any existing policies are difficult tofollow, often misunderstood, or out of date. Updating policies is the perfecttime to address existing issues within current policies. Think about whetheryour entity is using any new programs or procedures that could use someguidance.

Notify staffwhen you update policies. Keep employees in the loop about workplacestructures that will change, what changes will be made, and when they will gointo effect. With the hundreds of notifications and communications beingreceived and sent daily, it can be easy for an updated employee handbook to beoverlooked. Explaining overall changes will help employees get a broad pictureof what is being updated.

Ensure allemployees read and are familiar with workplace policies. A short summary ofexisting or new policies is helpful but is not enough on its own for liabilitypurposes and overall keeping business on track. Hold routine training andrefreshers to keep employees educated, even on topics that may seem like commonsense.

Consider artificialintelligence (AI) policies. AI has grown exponentially and shows no signsof slowing down. Accordingly, it can be expected that employees will use AI intheir work too. Although it can seem overwhelming to create AI guidelines,without any in place, it’s unrealistic to expect employees to follow anyspecific usage rules.

Consult withyour legal team. Regardless of what area of business your entity works in,laws are always shifting, and it can be difficult to keep track of, understand,and adjust your policies in a way that accurately reflects current law. Notbeing aware of new or changed laws is not a valid excuse for failure to comply.Reach out to your legal team to ensure a smooth policy update.

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