ADA

Employee Handbook vs. Code of Conduct: Differences

Creating an employee handbook and a code of conduct might seem challenging, but it’s crucial for setting the stage in any workplace. In this article, we’ll clarify the distinctions between these two essential documents, helping you understand their individual roles and importance. An employee handbook is your foundational tool for outlining company policies, setting clear expectations, and defining workplace culture. It’s vital for ensuring that everyone is informed and on the same page from day one.

Similarly, a code of conduct is key to establishing the ethical framework and behavioral expectations within your company. It helps maintain integrity and professionalism, outlining what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Why focus on distinguishing these documents? While both are important, they serve different purposes and are used under different circumstances. Understanding these differences is not only beneficial for compliance but also for improving the effectiveness of your internal communications and governance. So, if you’re aiming to understand these concepts without getting lost in the complexity, stay tuned as we break down the specifics of each document, ensuring you can implement them effectively in your business.

What Laws Must be Added to Your Employee Handbook

Chances are you’re on the hunt to make your employee handbook a genuine guide that protects your team and your business, not just a snooze-fest of dos and don’ts. This ideal handbook goes beyond rigid rules; it’s a dynamic guide that reflects your company’s mission and values and supports your employees.

Why does it matter? Aside from shielding your company against legal disputes, a well-constructed handbook indicates that your company isn’t just going through the motions of legal compliance. It tells your team that their rights matter, they’re working in a company with purpose that respects and honors those rights, and it ensures everyone’s on the same page about what’s cool and what’s not at work.

Stick with us as we walk you through the required laws for your handbook, ensuring you’re ticking all the legal boxes while also keeping things approachable and relatable for your team of non-lawyer humans. Your handbook shouldn’t just be legally compliant; it should be a user-friendly resource that everyone in your company understands and values.

Creating an Reasonable Accommodation Policy (ADA)

More than 60 million adults in the United States have a disability. That’s one in four, according to the CDC. This means that, in all likelihood, some of your employees are affected by disability. By empowering conversation around disability and reasonable accommodations, your company can create an inclusive and accessible workplace where every employee thrives.

Plus, let’s be real. Your employees probably know that this policy is required, so it’s important to put your own spin on it. How can you create a policy that covers the must-haves while providing insight into your company culture? We’ve got some ideas.

Bugle #100: Kintsugi

Happy 100th Bugle! There’s just something special about the number 100. It’s the sum of the first nine prime numbers (2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19 and 23). It’s the total number of United States Senators. It’s the amount of tiles in a game of Scrabble. It’s how many Bugles we’ve carefully crafted for your enjoyment…you’re welcome.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, look at these awesome HR, leadership and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: Has social distancing driven you to a place of self-reflection? Rather than viewing your imperfections negatively, this Bugle’s Article ‒ er, Video ‒ of the Week might help you view them in a different light. Look for the below, you beautifully flawed specimen.

Bugle #98: Juneteenth

It’s Juneteenth, aka Freedom Day. On June 19, 1865, almost two-and-a-half years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves in Texas were officially declared free. Learn more about the importance of Juneteenth.

To stay as savvy as possible, take a look at some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: Sticking with the day’s theme, consider ways you can incorporate Juneteenth into your company culture. Though your workplace might look different this year, the Article of the Week can help you get a head start on Juneteenth 2021 (look for the below).

Bugle #97: What You Can Do

Welcome to Friday! Did you know The “Truman Show” was released 22 years ago today? You know what they say: time flies when you’re getting older. If you need an escape, consider watching it this weekend.

Before you call it quits for the day, take some time to read the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: You’re not alone if you find yourself feeling heartbroken and/or powerless. The Article of the Week includes some suggestions if you find yourself wondering what you can do to combat racism (look for the below).

Bugle #96: To-Do Ideas

The weekend is here! Ready for take-off? On this day in 1906, the Wright brothers received U.S. Patent No. 821,393 for their invention, “Flying Machine.” You can use your Internet Machine to learn more about it.

To help pass the rest of the day, take a look at some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: Still sheltering in place? Check out the Article of the Week for some HR projects to tackle while time is on your side (look for the below). If #1 catches your eye, we’re here for you.

Bugle #95: Stop! Hammocktime.

Happy No Socks Day! Feeling restrained? Toes looking for fresh air? You’re in luck, folks, because it’s No Socks Day. Put on your favorite tunes and do some barefoot dancing, or maybe even feel the grass between your toes. At a time when the days blend into each other, we’ve got to put our best foot forward.

Check out some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: It can be difficult to keep up, but it’s also challenging to slow down. The Article of the Week reminds us what the virus-imposed speed limit can teach us — and it could be eye-opening (look for the below).

Bugle #91: Granddad’s Boxers

It’s Friday the 13th … and it kind of feels like it. We can all agree that anxiety levels are running quite high. As the seriousness of COVID-19 escalates, it’s important that we look out for each other; this is an “us” thing.

While you (hopefully) work from home, take a look below at some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks. But, most importantly, be safe.

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Article of the Week: Do you like to shop ‘til you drop? We figured we’d clothes out the week with something a little different. This week’s highlighted article features some anti-shopaholics (look for the below).

Bugle #84: Above the Line

Congrats! You’ve survived the first week of December.

Our last pop-psych article of 2019 focuses on priming or, in other words, subtle ways to encourage the response you want. Plant the seed, and watch it flourish.

We’ve compiled – just for you – some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found over the past couple weeks.

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Article of the Week: During an often-hectic time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in your own story. Are you usually above the line or below it? This week’s highlighted article explains what that means (look for the below).