May 19, 2021 | Category: Annual Conference, Compliance, Did You Know?, Employee handbook

Did you know that one of the best ways to provide information and guidance to employees is an up-to-date handbook?

With an employee handbook you can communicate expectations for behavior, benefits, and working conditions. Without clear policies, an organization can struggle with enforcement of work performance standards. Because, without clear policies, how do employees know what is expected of them?

In a recent unemployment hearing, a former employee (and unemployment claimant) was asked, “Did your company provide you with a handbook?” The former employee replied “Of course.” The potential outcome of the claim was contingent on details within their handbook. In this instance, the handbook, which clearly defined company policies, was a benefit to the employer.

At NAE, we monitor changes in the laws and how they affect employers. There have been a few laws that have come out of the last two legislative sessions that impact employer handbooks: Domestic Violence Victims’ Leave, Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act and SB 312 (paid time off). Most employers should have these outlined in their handbooks. However, as we do handbook reviews for members, we find that one or more are often missing.

When was the last time you reviewed and updated your employee handbook? We recommend at least an annual review. If it’s been a while, we can help. We can review your employee handbook for compliance or even build one for you. Our team of HR and legal professionals review handbooks throughout the year so do not hesitate to utilize this membership benefit.

Additionally, NAE provides tools to help implement the changes these laws present. The Member Portal has a variety of helpful fact sheets, sample policies, checklists, and more. We also keep employers up-to-date through our monthly newsletter, breaking news email alerts, training classes and special events, like our annual employers conference, and more. In fact, our 2021 Nevada Employers Conference is coming up soon and is always a great opportunity to learn about new laws and gain new skills, network with other Nevada employers and HR professionals, and have a good day out of the office, which everyone can use after the last year.

The 2021 Nevada Employers Conference is being hosted Friday, June 25, 2021 at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno, NV. This full-day event is an excellent event and learning opportunity (and earn HRCI and SHRM recertification credits). Interested in attending? Register today.