HELP IS ON THE WAY

Employers should provide employees with clear written instructions on how to report workplace-related difficulties, problems or confusions, such as regarding job performance, fair treatment under office policy, co-worker disputes, or any other work-related concern.

Policy Drafting Tips:

• Instruct employees to submit a written report to human resources, the employee’s supervisor, or anyone else in senior management;
• List the types of reports that should be escalated directly to the CEO or business owner, such as reports regarding violation of federal or state law, health or safety hazards that pose a threat to one or more persons, harassment or discrimination, or reports involving a supervisor who might not be able to handle the matter objectively;
• Include an at-will statement;
• Remind employees that if their grievances cannot be resolved internally under this policy, then they could seek resolution under any applicable company-issued mediation and arbitration procedures; and
• Include an anti-retaliation provision.

Take-Away:

Implement and regularly review a comprehensive, clearly written handbook to include a reporting disputes and open-door policy.

We publish this series to educate employers on best practices for a well-written handbook that assists applicants, employees, and management alike. To purchase our template handbook – which contains the above policy and much more – and accompanying forms or for more information, please contact Office Manager Aimee Rosales at 626.583.6600 or email her at officemgr@tbowleslaw.com.

See also:

• Workplace Policy Handbook & Forms for 2023 – Workable Hypothesis (December 30, 2022)
• Handbook Helper Episode 12 Prying Eyes- Employee Privacy Policy (September 30, 2023)
• Handbook Helper Episode 5 Golden Rules – Workplace Conduct Policy (July 8, 2022)

Cindy Bamforth
January 12, 2023