In a recent Law360 article, Kutak Rock partners Kasey Cappellano and Meaghan Gandy along with associate Laurel Stoncius stress the importance of maintaining an up-to-date employee handbook. In the article they explore how proactive updates can protect employers from costly litigation and support workplace policies with evolving legal standards.

The three authors discuss the implications of recent legal developments, including:

• Anti-Harassment Policies: Cases like Chapman v. Oakland Living Center and Trahanas v. Northwestern University illustrate how comprehensive anti-harassment policies can strengthen an employer’s defenses in discrimination lawsuits.
• Compliance with New Leave Laws: States such as Nebraska, Alaska, and Missouri have enacted new paid sick leave requirements, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) introduces additional obligations for reasonable accommodations. Employers must revise handbooks to address these changes.
• Remote Work Challenges: As remote work becomes more common, handbooks should include clear time-reporting and approval procedures to minimize wage-and-hour claims.
• Evolving Drug and Alcohol Policies: With the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis in various states, employers need to align workplace policies with state-specific regulations.
• Employee Dress Codes: Following the NLRB’s decision in Tesla Inc., employers must review dress code policies to ensure they do not interfere with employees’ rights to display union...

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