Employee Handbook Review Checklist (IL)


Summary

This checklist outlines the main issues for private, nonunionized employers to consider when reviewing employee handbooks (also known as employee manuals) under federal and Illinois law. It also addresses required, strongly recommended, recommended, and optional policies to include in an Illinois employee handbook (for more detail on required, strongly recommended, recommended, and optional policies, see the first bullet point under "Key Handbook Review Issues," below). A properly drafted handbook complies with an employer's notice requirements under state and federal law, reduces the risk of employer liability, and places employees on notice of their rights and responsibilities to the employer. In addition to setting employee expectations, a well-crafted handbook is essential to limiting an employer's exposure to lawsuits.