Handbook & Policy Health Check: What to Review Before Year-End
As we approach the end of the year, now is the perfect time to clean up your company’s handbooks and policies. A thorough review ensures your organization stays compliant, supports evolving employee needs, and reflects your values. Think of it as an opportunity to get ahead, so you can walk into the new year aligned, prepared, and confident.
Why Policy Reviews Matter
Conducting a policy review is an opportunity to ensure your company is well-prepared for the future. An up-to-date handbook is a key resource for employees, providing clear guidelines on expectations, behavior, and procedures. By taking a proactive approach now, you can prevent avoidable issues and stay ahead of potential challenges.
Which Policies to Review
Use this time to update your most critical policies:
Health and Safety Protocols: Review any workplace safety procedures, especially if new regulations have been introduced, or if there are organizational changes that affect health and safety measures.
Harassment and Discrimination Policies: Ensure that your policies are aligned with the most recent legal requirements and continue to foster a safe and healthy work environment.
Employee Benefits: With the year winding down, this is a good time to check your benefits policies to make sure they reflect the most current offerings and adhere to any regulatory changes. Are PTO, parental leave, and wellness programs accurately described and up to date?
Timekeeping and Classification: Ensure you’re compliant with wage laws, especially for non-exempt vs. exempt roles.
Remote Work Guidelines: With remote work being more common than ever, it’s important to ensure your policies reflect current expectations, communication practices, and security measures for employees working from home.
How Often Should You Update Your Handbook?
At minimum, your handbook should be reviewed once a year, and year-end is the ideal time to do it. But you should also update your policies any time there’s a:
Legal or regulatory change (especially state-by-state)
Shift in company structure, benefits, or expectations
Policy adjustment around remote work, leave, or technology use
How to Roll Out Policy Changes Effectively
Updating your handbook is only half the job—communicating changes well is what sets strong workplaces apart. Here's how:
Summarize updates in plain language and explain why they matter.
Host a short info session or Q&A to walk your team through the key changes.
Offer easy access to the updated document via intranet, email, or digital signature platform.
Invite feedback or clarifying questions to build trust and buy-in.
Need Help with Your Policy Review?
If you need assistance cleaning up your policies or ensuring your handbook aligns with current regulations and best practices, we’re here to help. At Wireback Works, we utilize Mineral to remain compliant with federal and all state laws. We offer Handbook updates where we will build for you, build with you, or build it yourself with direct access to the Mineral platform. Schedule a meeting with us today.