Law Office of Bahin Ameri, PLLC

     If you have eight or more employees you should seriously consider creating an employee manual.  Employee manuals set forth established personnel policies in a systematic, consistent manner.  Every employer should, at the very least, address the following issues:  sick days, vacation, maternity leave, compliance with the Family Medical Leave Act, discrimination, sexual harassment, short and long term disability, compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, insurance, worker’s compensation, workplace safety, discipline, and termination.  Some employers also include job descriptions, work schedules, and employee evaluations.  Also, employers within certain industries may want to include policies that are relevant to their line of work.  For example, medical providers and law firms may include confidentiality policies to avoid malpractice claims. 
     In today’s litigious society employers must take a proactive approach to protecting themselves and their employees.  The best way to do this is with a comprehensive employee manual.  Although it is impossible to anticipate every potential issue, thinking through the most common issues and establishing appropriate policies before such issues arise protects both parties from unwanted surprises and confusion.  Also, the very act of contemplating the issues and developing policies benefits employers in that it prepares them for sticky situations that are often emotionally--charged. 

For information about specific employment laws and common employment issues please contact the United States Department of Labor .