HR Tip of the Month: Handbooks Are Only Useful When Used

For any employer, no matter the size, handbooks are crucial. However, they are only valuable if actually used. The new year presents a great opportunity to review your employment policies and handbooks and to make sure that you consult them every time an employment issue presents. It makes little sense to have an employment policy governing a certain situation, but ignore it when that very situation arises. Further, it is important that employment policies are applied consistently. Where an employment policy grants the employer discretion in how to handle a situation, the employer should document how it came to the conclusion it did. Where an employment policy dictates a certain result, the employer should generally apply it or consult with your labor counsel before making an exception.