A new year means new legislation in many places and as an employer you need to be diligent in updating your policies to reflect any changes. The Society for Human Resource Management has compiled a list of some of the policies that you’re going to need to change for 2019.
Here is a brief overview of the changes you need to be aware of.
Equal Employment
Different states and municipalities all have different equal employment laws, however, they all continue to pass laws to protect those who are not protected under federal laws. The #MeToo movement rapidly increased the need to pass state level sexual harassment prevention laws that fall under the umbrella of equal employment. To stay compliant with your local laws, review and revise your employee handbook and policies surrounding discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
Reasonable Accommodation
2018 saw new or amended reasonable accommodation compliance in many different States. You’ll need to review and revise your policies regarding reasonable accommodations for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, access to restrooms for those with certain conditions and safe accomodations for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence or stalking if applicable in your State.
Leave of Absence
The laws surrounding LOA at both state and municipal levels continue to be a challenge for employers. Each LOA law has very specific standards regarding how employees are covered, which employers must comply and how they must do so. If you’re a multistate employer you’ll need to be aware of these standards in all locations and update your business practices as needed. If you’re an employer in an affected state and municipality you’ll need to adjust your policies on sick leave, paid family leave and military leave.
Equal Pay and Wage Discrimination
Laws surrounding equal pay and wage discrimination are being pushed aggressively in many States. The laws address issues including the prevention of wage discrimination based on gender, banning employers from asking potential and current employees about previous salaries, and prohibiting employers from banning wage discussion among co-workers. You’ll need to ensure your policies reflect these new changes to protect your employees and your company.
Safe Driving
As an employer, you’re obligated to provide a safe workplace. For businesses that require employees to drive while on the clock, you’ll need to pay close attention to distracted driving laws in your location. Distracted driving is a hot topic in legislation and is being cracked down on so your policies will need to incorporate these new laws.
Smoke Free Workplaces
Many states have taken the step to include e-cigarettes and other tobacco substitutes in their laws banning smoking in the workplace. Review your local laws to update your smoking policies and post any required notices, designate a smoking area and make other adjustments.
Weapons in the Workplace
As an employer it is always your responsibility to ensure a safe and secure workplace. To do so, you need to take note of any state laws regarding weapons in the workplace. The newest legislation regarding this topic addresses keeping guns in vehicles in company parking lots and restricting the carrying of a concealed handgun. This policy is crucial to update to maintain a safe workplace, however, also protects the rights of your employees.
These 7 policies should be addressed by your human resources department sooner than later in order for your business and employees to be properly protected. To read the entire article and the details click here.
Comments are closed.