Time To Revisit Employee Handbooks, Policies, & Agreements

There has recently been a slew of changes and new trends in employment law that require all businesses to revisit their employee handbooks, policies, and agreements.

  • Paid Family Medical Leave is coming to Maryland. The state is expected to announce employer/employee contribution rates to the system this October and contributions will be required 1-year later with benefits set to begin on January 1, 2026.
  • The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a federal law, took effect less than 2 months ago and requires certain businesses to provide “reasonable accommodations” to a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medial conditions.
  • Federal Government and States are Moving to Ban Non-Competes. The Federal Trade Commission has proposed regulations curtailing non-competes and the National Labor Relations Board published a memo taking the position that non-compete agreements violate federal law in certain circumstances. In addition, many states, including Maryland and DC, have taken recent actions limiting non-compete agreements.

With these and other changes in employment law, and to limit potential liability, now is the time to revise your policies.

Compass Law Partners’ Rob Garagiola (RGaragiola@Compass-Law.com) can help you navigate these policy changes and update your employee handbooks and agreements.

 

http://mailchi.mp/compassadvocacy/compass-law-navigator-august-2023-9085056

New Laws Require Business Tune Up

New laws in Maryland will:

  • Accelerate minimum wage increases to $15/hour;
  • Establish employer/employee contributions to Maryland’s soon-to-be implemented Paid Family Medical Leave Act; and
  • Prohibit non-compete clauses in certain circumstances.

In addition, the Federal Trade Commission is proposing regulations to ban non-compete clauses.

The bottom line: It’s critically important for all businesses to review their business and employment policies, including employee handbooks and employment agreements.

Business owners – even single-member owners – should also review their operating/buy-sell agreements at least every 3-5 years.

Compass Law can help update your employment and business agreements to meet your needs as laws continue to change. Reach out now for a consultation.

 

May 2023 Law Navigator

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