2019 Employee Handbook Update: Ensure Compliance & Avoid Litigation

When written properly, handbooks are a valuable tool in the workplace – and a strong defense against costly litigation or employment lawsuit. Governmental agencies, courts and juries look to handbooks to determine your policies and whether you’ve been fair to employees.

Poorly written handbooks cause confusion, inconsistency and increased litigation. Any ambiguities will be construed against the employer that may nullify your disclaimers. This 60-minute webinar will show you how to write effective handbooks and policies to avoid contractual obligations, plus serve to inform employees of your expectations. You’ll learn:

• Keys to drafting strong – and clear – policies to avoid litigation
• Disclaimer ‘’must-haves” in your handbook policies
• How to audit your old handbook: What to save, dump, add or revise
• Why you MUST review your electronic and social media policies
• Common employee handbook mistakes – and how to avoid them

Program Highlights

Essential Components for Your 2019 Employee Handbook

• What is “at will” employment and how does it impact your policies?
• Policies that can erode the “at will” status of your employees
• Avoid these top mistakes in drafting employee handbooks
• How to prevent claims of implied contract
• Essential disclaimers your employee handbook should contain
• Crucial policies that your handbook can’t be without!

Policies & Practices to Protect Against Litigation & Lawsuits

• Policies a company should have but aren’t appropriate for a handbook
• Keys to a well drafted anti-harassment policy that protects against future liability
• Why terms like ‘probationary period’ and’ introductory period’ can be problematic
• Crucial progressive discipline policies do’s and don’t
• How the National Labor Relations Board construes handbook policies
• Training supervisors to not say things contrary to your disclaimers

Live Question & Answer Session – Have your specific questions answered!

Program Benefits

Join us for this 60-minute webinar to discover how to draft and update effective employee handbooks that protect your company from costly litigation and liability.

About the Speaker

Susan Fahey Desmond is a Principal in the New Orleans, Louisiana, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She maintains an active practice in both Louisiana and Mississippi.

• Ms. Desmond specializes in the areas of labor and employment and civil litigation, including representing employers in Family and Medical Leave cases, discrimination claims relative to age, sex, disability, race, religion, and sexual harassment, and handling EEOC charges and other administrative complaints through the administrative and judicial process. Ms. Desmond also specializes in wage and hour litigation as well as non-compete litigation.
• Ms. Desmond also routinely counsels clients on a variety of employment practices, including employment contracts and employee handbooks and policies. She conducts employee training seminars, harassment investigations, and frequently speaks on employment-related topics.
• She is listed in Best Lawyers in America and has been named by Chambers USA as one of America’s leading business lawyers. She is also listed in Louisiana and Mid-South Super Lawyers.