The Dept. of Labor and various states and localities keep enacting new employment policies and regulatory laws that are important for employers to keep up to date with as it affects both the employer and employees. Additionally, employee handbooks should be updated both accordingly and regularly to avoid any legal risks and liabilities, which can result in costly fines, penalties, and attorneys' fees. To help you out, we've compiled five employment policies that employers should consider reviewing in 2023.
1. Pay Transparency
Due to changing labor markets and workforce demographics, more employees are demanding pay transparency. Some states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Washington, have passed pay transparency laws. Even if you are in a jurisdiction that does not currently require pay transparency, it may be beneficial to provide pay-related information for increased employee trust and applicant incentivization. Employers can do this by publishing pay scales for their open positions or hosting informational training sessions on pay-related topics.
2. Paid Leave
In 2022, many states and localities enacted paid leave laws, and this year, more states and cities across the United States are incorporating this legislation. Therefore, employers must ensure their leave policies are current and comply with local laws, especially where employees physically work.
3. Workplace Safety and Health
Especially after a global pandemic, workplace safety and health is of the utmost importance. Employers must comply with federal, state, and local laws by providing proper safety equipment, enforcing safety protocols, and conducting regular safety inspections. Employers should update their policies to reflect updated safety guidelines, including vaccination policies, remote work arrangements, and return-to-work plans.
4. Harassment and Discrimination
Harassment and Discrimination policies are not as frequently discussed but should include robust reporting procedures and instructions for those who experience any type of harassment in the workplace. Employers should continue to provide regular training on this matter and encourage swift action when an incident
is reported.
5. Remote Work Policies
The pandemic has led to an increased number of employees working from home. Employers should update their existing employment policies to reflect remote work arrangements. The policies should outline the expectations and responsibilities of remote workers, including productivity metrics and performance requirements. Employers should also ensure that remote workers have access to the tools and resources necessary to perform their jobs effectively.
DII is your partner in workplace compliance. Our team of experts can work with you to understand how to update your policies to meet new standards or legislation. Please contact your DII representative for more information. #EmployeeBenefits #Benefits #Legislation #UpdatingPolicies
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