An employee handbook is more than an onboarding document. It sets expectations, promotes consistency, and helps protect both employers and employees by documenting workplace policies before issues arise. Yet for many businesses, the handbook is updated once and then forgotten.
Employment laws change, businesses grow, and new technologies reshape how employees work. Reviewing your handbook annually can help ensure your policies accurately reflect your workplace and reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
Here are three areas worth reviewing in 2026:
New Jersey employers should review handbook language to ensure it reflects the July 2026 changes to the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA). The law now applies to employers with 15 or more employees, down from 30, and employee eligibility requirements have been reduced from 1,000 hours worked to 250 hours. Even employers that were previously exempt may now be covered. (See our recent webinar recording for a complete overview of these updates.)
| Requirement | Previous Law | Effective July 17, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Coverage | 30+ Employees | 15+ Employees |
| Employee Service Requirement | 12 Months | 3 Months |
| Hours Worked Requirement | 1,000 Hours | 250 Hours |
| Job Restoration After FLI/TDI | Limited Protections | Expanded Reinstatement Rights |
| Employees Covered | More Limited | Significantly Expanded |
Employers should regularly review handbook policies related to wage and hour requirements, overtime classifications, paid time off policies, and timekeeping expectations. As businesses grow, especially across multiple states, keeping policies consistent and up-to-date becomes even more important as employers navigate different state requirements.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of the modern workplace, but many employee handbooks don’t yet address it. Consider whether your policies cover acceptable AI use, confidentiality, company data, and the review of AI-generated work.
Also keep in mind that, while AI can help generate ideas or draft content for your business’s HR functions, it shouldn’t replace a handbook tailored to your organization’s policies and applicable employment requirements.
A well-maintained employee handbook sets your business up for success. Whether you’re updating a single policy or reviewing your handbook from top to bottom, the HR solutions available through Abacus Payroll can help support your workforce with practical guidance and resources.
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