Employee Handbook: New Year Good Time to Audit/Update Policies

As California employers settle into 2026, it's a good time to shift focus from learning new laws to putting them into practice. A tool that is central to that effort is the employee handbook.

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, Matthew Roberts, Associate General Counsel for Labor and Employment at the California Chamber of Commerce, is joined by CalChamber Employment Law Counsel Vanessa Greene to discuss why now is the best time to audit, update, and rethink your handbook strategy.

The conversation opens with a reminder that although California law doesn't require employers to have an employee handbook, certain written policies are mandatory - and the handbook remains the most effective way to organize and communicate them. From harassment prevention and lactation accommodation to family and medical leave, Greene explains how a well-crafted handbook serves as both a compliance tool and an operational resource.

Beyond legal requirements, the episode highlights the broader value of handbooks in today's complex workplace. Roberts and Greene explore how a clear, consistently applied handbook can support managers, promote fair performance management, and even strengthen an employer's defense in litigation. In a state as heavily regulated as California, that added layer of protection matters.

The discussion then highlights 2026-specific updates, including how recent changes to paid sick leave laws may affect handbook language - and when new legal requirements are better handled outside the handbook altogether. Employers are encouraged to think critically about what belongs in the handbook and what should remain a standalone notice or communication.

Looking ahead, Greene also flags emerging issues that may warrant new or revised policies, particularly as technology continues to reshape the workplace. From wearable devices to AI-driven tools, the episode emphasizes how to be proactive rather than reactive as an employer. Longstanding policies - such as remote work, discipline, and meal and rest break practices - also get a reality check, with guidance on ensuring written policies still reflect how work actually gets done.

Finally, the episode offers practical insight into making handbook rollouts more effective, emphasizing communication, training, and supervisor involvement. For employers aiming to start the year on solid footing, this conversation offers timely perspective on turning the employee handbook into an accessible workplace tool.