Employment Policy Handbook Preparation and Initial Internal Labor Audit

Our attorneys at Palmer Kazanjian Wohl Hodson LLP provide employers with a customized employment policy handbook that is compliant with applicable California and federal laws and conduct an initial internal labor audit of employer practices and processes.

Preparation Of Employment Policy Handbook: During an initial consultation, our attorneys learn about the areas of concern that are specific to your business. From this information a customized employment policy handbook is crafted. During a second consultation, our attorneys provide clarification regarding the revisions, note additional requested changes, and respond to general concerns and inquiries. Following the second consultation, follow-up research and additional revisions and projects are provided as requested.

The first section of the standard handbook contains a list of required and recommended employment policies and practices. The second section contains a description of employee benefits. The third section contains a description of leaves of absence. The final section contains policies pertaining to standards of conduct, including: protection of confidential information; customer relations; prohibited conduct; personal standards; safety; controlled substance restrictions; and corrective action. The customized handbook includes a compliant arbitration agreement. Also, upon request, the following documents are available with the customized handbook: Employee Application Form; Employee Offer Letter and Agreement; Performance Review Form; Disciplinary Action Notice; and Termination Notice.

Conduct Initial Internal Labor Audit: In conjunction with the employment policy handbook preparation, our attorneys conduct an initial internal labor audit of your current labor practices and processes. Many employers mistakenly believe that government audits result only from an employee complaint. While this may be true in some cases, the reality is that various government agencies have significant authority to perform random audits of employers (including small businesses) to ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, unemployment insurance laws, equal employment opportunity laws, and other related labor and employment laws. Therefore, our initial internal labor audit helps you prepare to resolve governmental audits efficiently and provides you with multiple options to bring your labor practices and processes into full compliance with applicable legal standards.

Our initial internal labor audit covers the following:

• The At-Will Employment Relationship;

• Employee Onboarding Documents;

• Training on Employment Policies and Procedures;

• Employment Classifications;

• Incentive Compensation;

• Complaints/Investigations;

• Meal and Rest Periods;

• Wage and Hour Compliance;

• Expense Reimbursement;

• Sick Leave and Vacation Leave;

• Leaves of Absence Policies and Practices;

• Record Keeping and Responsibility;

• Injury and Illness Prevention Programs;

• Employment Handbook and Written Policy Review; and

• Employee Discipline and Termination.

Similarly, we have learned that employers who do not retain an attorney during a governmental audit may place themselves at a disadvantage. Employers need to be prepared with accurate compliance information and documentation. During a government audit, our attorneys analyze applicable records and demands to ensure that all appropriate rights and privileges are fully protected and provide only what is required by law to successfully complete the audit and reduce any potential audit liability.

Handbook Policy Preparation And Initial Internal Labor Audit (Five Hours) Discounted Rate: $1750. The fee for preparing the customized employment policy handbook and conducting the initial internal labor audit commences with five hours at a discounted hourly rate. Generally, our attorneys complete the handbook preparation and initial audit within the discounted five hours. Any legal consultation, beyond the initial five hours is provided at our standard rates. You are notified when the discounted hours are exhausted. Multi-state handbook preparation is also available. Please contact us at 916.442.3552 today to get the process started.