Policy Center Scope

The term “required” is intended to indicate that a statute specifically requires that the policy appear in a handbook.  Where a statute requires that an employer develop and/or distribute a policy (but not necessarily in the handbook), we have tried to provide that information in explanatory notes.

The information on Policy Center is not intended to apply to any particular employer or to provide legal advice or opinion. Such advice may only be given when related to specific handbooks and specific fact situations. In no circumstances should any employee handbook be adopted and issued to employees before the final draft has been approved by experienced labor counsel. These employee handbook templates generally include policies prompted by federal and state laws in the employee policy context, as well as leave of absence and scheduling policies intended to comply with local laws in major municipalities (i.e., those with 100,000 residents or more). The handbook templates do not include the following: social media policies; drug-testing policies; policies related to municipal laws other than those specified above; or policies specific to government contractors or certain industries. Generally, the templates do not address industry-specific requirements, except where indicated.