Employee handbooks and policies you need to know
Your workplace likely looks very different today than it did a few years ago. Employee needs and business priorities constantly evolve, and your employee handbook and company policies need to keep up. Updating these policies ensures your organization reflects current workplace standards and supports your team effectively.
HR and health and safety policies protect your employees’ rights and ensure a safe workplace. When you clearly communicate, consistently apply, and fairly enforce these policies, they shield your business from liability, set clear expectations for employees, and maintain fairness across the board.
Employee handbook essentials
Do you know which policies your employee handbook needs? With legislation and workplace standards changing frequently, it can be hard to keep everything current. That’s why auditing your employee handbook and policies annually is a best practice. Regular updates allow you to meet legal requirements and adapt to the evolving needs of your employees and organization.
Why strong HR and safety policies matter
Clear policies in your employee handbook set expectations and outline acceptable conduct for employees. They help you comply with legislation, meet employer obligations, and address the specific needs of your workplace.
HR policies cover crucial areas like work hours, overtime, vacation, performance management, behaviour standards, and discipline processes. While certain policies are legally required, others provide structure, consistency, and a positive workplace environment.
These policies aren’t about overwhelming employees with rules—they’re about fostering a safe, fair, and healthy workplace. Applying policies consistently ensures everyone adheres to the same standards.
Must-have employee handbook policies for 2025
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to review your employee handbook and update your policies to ensure compliance.
If you’re an Ontario employer subject to provincial regulations, certain policies are mandatory. Depending on your organization’s size, industry, or type of work, additional legislated policies may also apply. Beyond these requirements, other optional policies can help create a happy and healthy workplace.
Three policies every employee handbook should include:
Workplace violence and harassment policy
Every employee deserves a workplace free from violence and harassment. Clear policies set expectations for appropriate behaviour and establish reporting mechanisms. Learn more about preventing workplace violence and harassment. [BA1]
Accessible employment policy (AODA)
An accessibility policy ensures employees of all abilities can participate fully in the workplace. It identifies and removes barriers while addressing diverse needs. Learn more about accessibility and workplace accommodations.
Disconnecting from work policy
In today’s always-connected world, employees need space to unplug. A right-to-disconnect policy creates boundaries and supports work-life balance. Learn more about the benefits of disconnecting from work.
Download Citation Canada’s free guide to employee handbooks
To help you get started, we’ve created a comprehensive guide featuring the top 15 essential HR policies every Ontario employer needs. Whether you’re updating your policies or creating your employee handbook from scratch, this guide will help you stay compliant.
Download our free Guide to Essential HR Policies for the full list of must-have policies. While this guide is Ontario-focused, employers across Canada can benefit from auditing their policies annually and following these recommendations.
Get Health & Safety and HR solutions you can trust
Citation Canada has helped hundreds of organizations stay on top of developing legislation while prioritizing employee growth and development. Access up-to-date HR content, use award-winning HR software, and assign online training courses through our secure HRIS. Our safety training and monthly webinars hosted by industry experts make it easy to support your team with our affordable plans.
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