The time for spring cleaning is upon us—and this annual act of organizing and going through items not only gives a fresh start to folks in their personal lives, but can also apply to companies. The spring season is an ideal time for companies to revisit employee policies and make any necessary updates.
There are numerous legal updates that can affect company policies throughout the year, including state-specific developments, regulatory shifts among industries, and federal changes, such as EEOC guidance, NLRB decisions, and DOL rules. It is a good practice to review policies once a year to ensure that the company remains compliant with any legal developments. Policies that often require an annual refresh include:
- Anti‑harassment and complaint procedures
- Wage‑and‑hour policies (meal breaks, overtime, remote work timekeeping)
- Leave policies (ADA, FMLA, PTO, parental leave)
- Technology and social media use
- AI‑assisted hiring and workplace technology policies
To conduct an annual handbook audit, HR, legal, and leadership teams should review the existing policies and document any changes. Once the policies are finalized, employers should communicate the updates to employees and train managers on any new procedures. Employers should consult with experienced counsel when handling policy updates that include:
- Multi-state compliance issues
- High-risk policy areas
- Significant organizational changes, such as mergers, restructuring, and remote-work expansion
The employment attorneys at Poyner Spruill can assist with proactive updates to your organization’s policies.
