Handbook Mastery California employers face a constant stream of new workplace regulations every year, and 2026 is no exception. For HR leaders, getting the handbook right is no longer just a “nice to complete” project, it’s an essential tool for compliance, culture and risk management. A well-drafted handbook can:
Strengthen your defense against employee claims and agency charges,
Give managers clear, practical guidance on day-to-day decision making, and
Deliver required notices in a format employees will actually read and understand.
This forward-looking program is designed specifically for HR professionals responsible for creating, updating, and enforcing handbook policies. Employment law attorney Ryan M. Haws will walk you step by step through what an effective 2026 California handbook should look like and how to get yours there.
Topics will include:
- Key 2026 employment law developments that must be reflected in your handbook
- Common drafting mistakes that undermine enforceability and how to fix them
- High-impact policy updates and “must have” clauses for California employers
- When you must (and when you should) provide translated handbooks
- Best practices for rolling out a new or revised handbook to your workforce
- Strategies for handling employees who refuse to sign acknowledgments
You will leave with a clear action plan to modernize your 2026 handbook, ensuring it is legally compliant, user-friendly for employees, and a strong, defensible asset for your organization.