Episode 110: Getting a Handle on Handbooks

Lena Scullard and Becky Lauseng welcomed employment attorney Kate Bischoff to discuss employee handbooks, which she defined as documents setting expectations and guidance distinct from tactical policy manuals. Kate advised that HR should determine the handbook's tone to match the company culture, use the document to drive cultural change, and review the handbook annually, ideally from back to front and through the perspective of an employee needing guidance.

Key recommendations included ensuring harassment and essential EEO policies are prominently featured, avoiding broad off-the-clock conduct language, and keeping the handbook concise (less than 35 pages) by removing specific policy details like employment classifications, lengthy discipline policies, and temporary trend topics like returning to the office.

Guest:

Kate Bischoff | Employee Attorney & HR Professional | https://www.linkedin.com/in/k8bisch

Resources:

Website: http://www.k8bisch.com

Kate's LinkedIn Learning Session on Employee Handbooks: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/human-resources-creating-an-employee-handbook-26129200

Email: kate@k8bisch.com

Hosts:

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/

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