• Directives from the Trump administration. You may have to undo recent changes, especially if you’re a federal contractor or subcontractor. But you also have to pay attention to state rules.
• Supreme Court-related changes. Learn why and how to change your handbook policies on religious expression and accommodations.
• New kinds of discrimination. Handbook rules must be modified to include emerging forms of discrimination.
• Employee leave. What to include and what to leave out regarding FMLA, ADA and pregnancy accommodations.
• The fractured workplace. What happens when workers disagree on topics like politics and religion now that the administration is encouraging such workplace expression? Handbook policies that set reasonable conduct rules can create a more harmonious workplace.
• Speech and civility rules. When you can restrict what employees say and when you can’t (salaries, politics, hate speech, etc.).
• Dress and grooming. Learn how to set rules on appropriate behavior, attire and decor when it comes to both in-person and remote appearances.
• Sexual and other harassment. Even if employees are remote, you need rules on email, telework, texting and off-site meetings.