Author: XpertHR
Published: 21st Nov 2014 - Updated: 23rd Jan 2015
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: Discrimination and Abuse Publications
Summary: Employers must be aware of recent changes in the law, society and technology, when developing or updating their employee handbooks.
Google Glass, LGBT protection, medical marijuana and no-fault attendance policies are just a few of the trends that employers need to consider when developing or updating their employee handbooks, says a new XperHR report. It's crucial that employers be aware of recent changes in the law, society and technology or they could face government sanctions.
Among the most prevalent workplace trends are "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) and emerging technologies such as Google Glass and biometrics. Because there are significant risks in permitting employees to use such technology, it is imperative for employers to create strong policies to shield themselves from liability and give employees a clear idea of what is permissible and what is not. Further, a growing number of employers are putting employees on notice that they may be monitored and have a diminished expectation of privacy in the workplace.
Employers should ensure compliance with EEO policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment and retaliation, and provide reasonable accommodations when needed.
They should frequently revisit and update their policies, as states and municipalities are increasingly providing employment protections to new and emerging protected classes such as lesbians; gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals; pregnant women; domestic violence victims; the homeless and the unemployed.
"It is also important to be aware of local laws that address medical marijuana, e-cigarettes in the workplace, paid sick leave, same-sex marriage, LGBT rights, and the use of cell phones while driving," says Beth Zoller, Legal Editor, XpertHR. "Prudent employers should integrate state and municipal laws into their workplace policies."
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has been proactive in pursuing employers for handbook policies that can be interpreted as infringing upon the right of employees to engage in protected conduct. The NLRB has found policies such as those dealing with social media, contact with the press, confidentiality, investigations and employee communications to violate employee rights. As a result, employers should be extremely careful when drafting such policy provisions and avoid overly broad and ambiguous language and blanket rules that can be interpreted as interfering with the right of employees to engage in protected concerted activity.
"The employee handbook is a living document that should evolve as laws and your business change," says Zoller. "Updating and amending an employee handbook to comply with the current law and to reflect the most up-to-date protections should be done on an annual or semi-annual basis."
XpertHR's online service provides HR professionals with practical compliance tools and comprehensive guidance on federal, state and municipal law, helping employers stay current with evolving and complex employment law issues. XpertHR content is published in association with sister company LexisNexis. XpertHR.com is a unique, easy-to-use solution organized around the day-to-day responsibilities of HR professionals. In addition to smart search features, you can browse through content by task, by topic, or by tool type to help you find just what you need in seconds. Our key features include the popular Employment Law Manual and Liveflo employment workflows.
For a free whitepaper on how to create and implement employee handbooks, visit XpertHR - www.xperthr.com
Post to Twitter Add to Facebook
Latest Discrimination and Abuse Publications | |
---|---|
The above information is from our reference library of resources relating to Discrimination and Abuse that includes: | |
![]() | Language in Sexual Offense Judgments Makes Victims Responsible Judgments are supposed to reflect objectivity of the courts, but when we use language we inevitably express some kind of idea or conception of the world. Publish Date: 19th Sep 2024 |
![]() | Lack of Sexually Injuries Does Not Mean Rape Victim Is Making It Up A new study reveals the absence of sexually related injuries cannot be used in court to infer that rape victims are making it up. Publish Date: 8th Oct 2023 |
![]() | Why Sexually Harassed People Might Not Come Forward Immediately or at All What would a reasonable person do? Exploring the gap between experienced and anticipated responses to sexual harassment. Publish Date: 10th Jun 2023 |
![]() | Some LGBT Allies Don't Want Gay Neighbors Study explores stigmatizing behaviors expressed by avid supporters of sexual minorities in a survey 8.5% who said they were fully accepting of gay people did not want gay neighbors. Publish Date: 6th Mar 2023 |
1Transgender Reporting Guide
How to write about transgender people.
2Am I Gay? Questions to Ask
Think you may be gay or bisexual?
3Glossary of Sexuality Terms
Definitions of sexual terms & acronyms.
4LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
Symbols of Identity and Inclusion.
5LGBT Awareness Dates
Important LGBTQ community awareness days, remembrance dates, and coming pride events.
• Submissions: Send us your coming events and LGBTQ related news stories.
• Report Errors: Please report outdated or inaccurate information to us.
• (APA): XpertHR. (2014, November 21). Employee Handbooks: Social Media, NLRB and EEO Trends. SexualDiversity.org. Retrieved February 19, 2025 from www.sexualdiversity.org/discrimination/211.php
• Permalink: <a href="https://www.sexualdiversity.org/discrimination/211.php">Employee Handbooks: Social Media, NLRB and EEO Trends</a>