7 Employment Policies to Review in 20256
Employee handbooks serve as a foundational tool for shaping workplace culture, guiding employee behavior and safeguarding organizations against legal exposure.
Yet too often, employers overlook the importance of keeping employment policies current. When employee handbooks are not regularly reviewed and updated, organizations can face increased exposure to legal risks and liabilities. In today’s rapidly evolving environment, where complex employment laws are constantly changing, employers must stay informed about regulatory developments that may impact their operations. The start of the year presents an opportune time for employers to review and update their policies to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks.
Important legal developments in 2025 include:
- Employee leave laws;
- Pay transparency;
- Captive audience bans;
- Increased reverse discrimination claims;
- Religious accommodations;
- Artificial intelligence (AI) legislation; and
- Workplace violence prevention.
Action Steps
Outdated policies can expose organizations to unnecessary legal risks. Regularly reviewing and updating employment policies is an effective and cost-effective way for employers to protect themselves. By understanding the most significant legal developments to review in 2026, employers can take steps to ensure their employee handbooks are current and reflect the most recent regulatory developments.
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