The relationship between an employer and an employee is a delicate one. The employer is required to timely dispurse paychecks, to follow workplace regulations, and to meet other obligations. The worker, likewise, must follow the rules of his or her employment. A company exposes itself to possible liability if it fails to clearly define an employee’s obligations. These potential problems include claims made by the worker as well as liability to third parties. A well drafted employee handbook is one way to ensure that employees are aware of all company policies and that their roles are clearly defined. Holly Meyer is a Long Island attorney assisting New York companies with the drafting of such handbooks. Call our office today to speak with a lawyer. We also serve those in Queens, Brooklyn, and other New York areas.
Long Island lawyer drafting employee manuals for companies throughout New York
An employee handbook serves numerous functions. The first of these is that it helps protect a company from claims by its workers. Should an employee be fired for violating company policy, and claim in a wrongful termination suit that they did not know the policy existed, then having a manual which states the policy can help to insulate companies from such a claim. A second way in which employee manuals assist employers is that they can help to limit third-party liability. Companies are generally liable for the acts of their employees. The extent to which a company will pay damages will, in part, depend on the extent to which steps are taken to prevent certain employee conduct. If, for example, an employee does something which causes a lawsuit and the conduct was prohibited by an employee handbook, then such would be an argument in the employer’s favor. Hiring an attorney to assist with the drafting of a handbook can help protect your business from employees and third parties.
The first step in creating an employee handbook is to identify the goals of your company and to determine how your employees fit into those goals. Once the roles of your employees are defined, you may then spell out clear requirements and limitations as to how they are to go about their jobs. These requirements and limitations can be placed into an employee handbook or manual, which the worker will receive at the beginning of their employment. It is crucial that the document be written in clear, concise, and easy to understand terms. If it is not written clearly, then you run the risk of not receiving all the benefits of having such a document. Retaining an experienced business law attorney is important to ensuring that your manual is drafted properly.
Holly Meyer is a Long Island lawyer who drafts employee handbooks on behalf of New York businesses. We will use your initial consultation, as well as later discussions, to gain an understanding of your company policies and to help you determine which items should appear in your handbook. We will help you understand the ramifications of including or not including certain information and will also give you insight into other types of employee policies which may shield you from potential liability. You have worked hard in building your business. A properly drafted employment manual can help to preserve that hard work. Contact our office today to speak with counsel.
In addition to Long Island our attorney also serves Kings County residents in Brooklyn, residents of Queens, those in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as people in other New York areas.
Long Island attorney providing quality service to New York business owners
Running a New York business is time consuming and employers want to focus on the most important thing – their business. The more time one is required to take in performing administrative tasks, such as employment related issues, then the less time they spend developing a great product or brand. Our attorney assists with other employment related issues, such as the drafting of employee contracts, the drafting of non-compete agreements, and more. This allows you to concentrate your efforts on the substance of your company. We pride ourselves on providing a high level of service and our firm is ready to assist you.