Q. "We hired a remote employee working in a different state. Do we need a new employee handbook?"
Answer:
You probably don’t need a whole new employee handbook, but you’ll certainly want to review the one you currently have in light of the laws in the state where the remote employee is physically performing their work. States have a wide range of requirements regarding wages, breaks, leaves, and other employment matters, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with each state's specific laws.
Evaluate your handbook policies to determine whether you need to make any changes. Assuming you do, you’ll need to decide whether you want different state-specific policies based on employees’ locations or a single policy per topic that applies to—and is compliant for—all employees. State-specific policies can be more difficult to manage and may create resentment among employees in states with less generous benefits or entitlements.
On the other hand, a single policy can simplify administration and ensure consistency across all states but may be more expensive since you’ll need to align the policy with the state provisions that provide the greatest benefits and protections for employees.