Employee Policies & Handbooks
Other than a valid, written employment contract, the next most important tool in an employer’s risk management toolbox are well-crafted employee policies and handbooks. Like employment contracts, policies and handbooks are an employer’s opportunity to set out the rules and guidelines that govern its relationship with workers and to minimize uncertainty and future concerns. It is also important to note that under Ontario law, there are certain policies that employees are obligated to have in their workplace, such as policies for sexual harassment claims.
The knowledgeable employment lawyers at Rousseau Mazzuca LLP can help employers maximize the benefits of having enforceable policies and handbooks in their workplace. We can review any existing policies, ensure they are fully compliant with an employer’s legal obligations, and re-write them if necessary. We can also draft policies for employers where policies are missing but needed. We have many years of experience and have helped many employers in various industries and sectors protect their interests and minimize risk.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYEE POLICIES AND HANDBOOKS
Under Ontario employment law, there are a number of policies and handbooks that employees must have in their workplace, including:
Workplace violence and harassment policies;
Health and safety policies.
Employers are obligated, by law, to have these policies in their workplace and must keep them up to date. In addition, all employees and contractors must be made aware of these policies, and must receive periodic training, as required.
In addition to merely meeting your legal obligations, policies and handouts can and should also be used strategically. They can save management time, clearly set out expectations, and reduce the likelihood of accusations of favoritism or discrimination. Carelessly written policies and handbooks can create large liabilities for banked vacation, sick leave, overtime, and expensive external investigations. On the other hand, well-written policies in these areas can lead to substantial savings.
