Allen, TX, Employment Lawyer: Protect Your Company with an Employee Handbook
Although not considered a legally binding contract, a well-drafted Employee Handbook is essential to any business. Should employee misbehavior occur or a dispute arise, you can point to the employee’s signed acknowledgement as proof that you communicated your company expectations, standards and procedures. Without a Handbook, the situation is ripe for disagreement and possible lawsuits.
Our Allen, TX employment lawyers work with North Texas business clients to craft Employee Handbooks that are clear and understandable, and help to protect employers from liability.
Call our Frisco law office at (214) 225-4325 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
What Should Be Included in an Employee Handbook
Even if your business is small, if you have employees it’s wise to have an Employee Handbook. An ounce of prevention early in the life of your business could save you a trip to court to defend against a lawsuit.
An Employee Handbook informs your staff and your managers about company expectations, policies and procedures in matters such as:
- Code of conduct
- Dress code
- Discrimination and harassment policies
- Grievance reporting procedures
- Appropriate use of electronic devices
- Security measures
- Confidentiality expectations
- Health care, vacation time and other benefits
- Sick leave and disability
- Shifts, hours and lateness policies
Defense Against Charges of Wrongful Termination
Texas is an at-will employment state, which means that an employee can be let go at any time. But there are legal protections for some classes of employees to prevent unlawful discrimination in the workplace. This does not mean that employees in protected classes cannot be terminated, but care must be taken to ensure that termination of employment is not because of an unlawful reason or your business may be at risk for a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Violating the terms outlined in an Employee Handbook is one valid reason for terminating an employee. By documenting that the employee is aware of the workplace policy or procedure and that the employee has violated it, the employer has laid the groundwork for legal defense should a claim of wrongful termination be filed against the company.
Educate Your Employees, Protect Your Company
We represent employers in Plano, Frisco, McKinney and Allen, TX.
Whether you are starting a new company, or you’re concerned that the behavior of an employee is putting your company at risk, talk to a Frisco attorney at (214) 225-4325.
