Handbook Policy Development & Audits
Employee handbooks are an integral road map for employees to navigate the rules of their employer.
At Ruder Ware, our attorney team has written countless handbooks to provide processes, protections, and proactive guidance. Our handbooks are in compliance with the latest laws and policies and are customized to each employers unique work force. Topics regularly addressed in the handbooks include:
- Hiring
- Employee retention
- Employment at-will
- Dispute resolution procedures including arbitration
- Racial and sexual harassment
- Equal opportunity
- Employee dignity
- Safety and health
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- Rules of conduct
- Employee discipline
- Attendance
- Lay-off and recall
- Job transfers and promotions
- Paid time off (e.g., vacation, holidays, sick pay, etc.)
It has been said that the best HR is proactive HR. Because of that our employment attorneys created an audit program to provide of checkup of current operations. The goal is to ensure that in-place policies and procedures comply with current employment laws. There is no one-size-fits-all program as the audit is a review of your current policies and procedures. Our attorneys are up-to-date on current state and federal laws and have the training and applicable know-how to evaluate whether they provide the appropriate protections. To schedule your audit contact Sara Ackermann.
Founded in 1920, Ruder Ware provides business, employment, estate planning, and litigation services. A full-service law firm, over 45 attorneys provide clients with a one-stop approach to their legal needs. Ruder Ware, Business Attorneys for Business Success.
Posted on July 10, 2025 by Amy E. Ebeling, Jacob A. Schraeder and Bryce B. Ebben
As you may be aware, on July 4, 2025, a landmark piece of tax legislation – commonly referred to as “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” – was signed into law, ushering in some of the most significant changes to the tax code in recent years. This sweeping bill touches nearly every corner of the tax […]
Posted on June 24, 2025 by Samuel J. S. Moheban
On June 20, 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced a new functionality of E-Verify called a Status Change Report. The announcement instructs E-Verify employers to regularly log in to E-Verify to generate Status Change Reports and to immediately begin the reverification process for “each current employee whose EAD the Status Change […]
Posted on June 23, 2025 by Nicole L. Stangl
On June 5, 2025, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that continues to reinforce the importance of providing honest and accurate feedback to employees regarding employment decisions. Marlean Ames, a straight woman, was employed by the Ohio Department of Youth Services. She interviewed for a new management position but was passed over in […]
Posted on June 6, 2025 by Samuel J. S. Moheban
Over the past month, the Trump administration has announced several changes impacting F-1 visa programs. F-1 visa interviews have been paused, visas have been purportedly cancelled, and some program certifications have been revoked. Lawsuits have been filed to stymie these changes and conditions continue to evolve. These developments may affect an employer’s plans for CPT, […]
Posted on May 1, 2025 by Mary Ellen Schill
On May 1, 2025, the IRS announced the Health Savings Account limits for 2026. With respect to contribution limits, the limits are slightly higher than the ones for 2025 and the required deductible and out-of-pocket maximums have increased as well. As a reminder, these inflation adjusted amounts are effective for calendar year 2026. HSA/HDHP Requirement […]
Posted on April 8, 2025 by Samuel J. S. Moheban
On March 12th, the Department of Homeland Security published an Interim Final Rule (“IFR”) partially implementing section 7 of Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion (Jan. 20, 2025) (the “Executive Order”). Section 7 of the Executive Order directed the Secretary of Homeland Security, and others, to ensure that all previously unregistered noncitizens […]
Posted on April 7, 2025 by Samuel J. S. Moheban
On April 2nd, USCIS announced they had made available a revised Form I-9 for employment eligibility verification. The new form, available at the USCIS website, has an edition date of 01/20/25 and an expiration date of 05/31/27. USCIS will also continue to accept the following previous versions of the form: Form I-9 (08/01/2023 edition) with […]
Posted on March 26, 2025 by Samuel J. S. Moheban
Editor’s Note: CHNV Parole Termination Notice Stayed by Court The March 25 Federal Register Notice announcing the termination of CHNV parole has been stayed. Last week, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily blocking the implementation of the termination notice. For more information, please see the USCIS […]
Posted on February 14, 2025 by Samuel J. S. Moheban
For employers seeking to sponsor foreign national professionals, awareness of the H-1B cap registration deadline is critical. Registration for the FY 2026 H-1B Cap lottery will start at 12 p.m. Eastern Time on March 7 and end at 12 p.m. Eastern Time on March 24. This year, the registration fee has been increased to $215. […]
Posted on February 7, 2025 by Nicole L. Stangl and Morgan H. Sweeney
For many years, employers have been operating within the confines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), and the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (“WFEA”) when a pregnant employee needs time off or an accommodation. Now employers have a new law to consider, and one that is arguably more favorable […]
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