Essential Staff Handbook Updates
As we tie a bow on Q2 and many organizations move into a new fiscal year, it’s likely about time for you to review your Staff Handbook again. Looking over all the policies in your handbook, evaluate not only if they are compliant but if they truly line up with your culture and trajectory. Here are a few of the most important areas to review:
State and Local Laws
Especially if your organization operates or has employees in multiple states or jurisdictions, review the updates to the labor laws of each and ensure your policies are still compliant. As a rule, align all policies with the strictest state. If state laws vary too much for a blanket policy, consider adding addendums to the core handbook for each state. Check out our Labor Law Cheat Sheets to see each state’s specific labor laws in one place.
Number of Employees
As your organization grows and changes, policy must follow suit. There are both state and federal laws that apply only to organizations with a certain headcount (the total number of people employed) or FTE total (the total number of full-time “units” employed).
Changing Times
While you’re updating for compliance and size, take culture into account, too. Are there any policies in your handbook that are outdated? Any that need to be added? Remote work and security policies have gone from option to critical in the past decade. Think about the present and the future when considering your handbook, not just the past.
Theory vs. Reality
Review all policies in light of how you actually do things. Especially if it’s been more than a year or two since you last updated your handbook, there is a good chance that there is language that no longer fits your vernacular or policies that were implemented with the right intentions but haven’t proven practical. Aim to capture the essence of your organization within the handbook.
Distribution
If your Staff Handbook does change in any way, make sure every staff member receives an updated copy. Indicate what and where changes are and have everyone fill out a new signed acknowledgment to store in their employee file.
It seems like a lot, but you can do this! If you do get in over your head, we’re here for you. Our team of ministry HR experts can guide you through the whole experience cover to cover, helping you gather all essential policies and guidelines, craft them to fit your culture, and put them together in one compliant and easy package.
Don’t be overwhelmed! Let our ministry HR experts help.
Authored by the HRMS Team, a group of dedicated church HR experts who draw from extensive ministry experience to keep your organization compliant and healthy. Schedule a call and find out how we can help you simplify your organization’s HR here.