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Changes to Employee Handbook In Light of the 2020 Pandemic

Changes to Employee Handbook In Light of the 2020 Pandemic

Posted on October 15, 2020

Originally published in October 2020, as part of a "Tips" webinar

This article has not been updated for current law since the date of its posting on the website. This article is not intended to provide any legal advice. Please seek advice of your professional council.

Any U.S. federal and state tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written by the Knox Law Firm to be used, and cannot be used by you, for the purpose of: (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code that may be imposed upon you, or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

Most employers recognize the advantages of having written personnel policies, which are typically found in an employee handbook. These handbooks contain work rules and information about fringe benefits.

Handbooks serve as a communication tool by which employers inform employees what is expected of them and what the employees can expect of the employer. They are usually reviewed on an annual basis to determine if additions or revisions to the policies are appropriate.

Many employers are updating their employee handbooks to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Others are attaching an addendum to their handbooks anticipating that the “new” policies will be unnecessary when the virus is under control and there is a return to the normal workplace.

Employers are supplementing their personnel policies to address:

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Sick leave policies
Vacation/travel policies
Telework policies
Workplace health and safety policies, including protocols in the event of positive tests at the worksite

Author: Mark T. Wassell

Originally published in October 2020, as part of a "Tips" webinar