Employee Handbook Updates — Why Late Summer Is the Perfect Time

• f it's been more than a year since your last employee handbook update, you’re likely overdue. California employment laws continue to evolve rapidly, and even small changes — like city-specific minimum wage updates or state-mandated sick leave expansions — can require policy revisions.
  
  Late summer is a smart time to revisit your handbook. It gives you time to prepare for Q4 and make sure your team enters the busy season with clarity around expectations, rules, and rights. It also helps avoid the last-minute scramble that often comes with January 1 legal updates.
  
  Key areas to review include:

• Meal and rest break policies – Are they in line with current state and local standards?

• Paid sick leave and time off – Have you updated accrual caps or eligibility details?

• Remote work expectations – If you still allow hybrid or flexible arrangements, have you codified expectations around availability, safety, and reimbursements?

• Harassment prevention and complaint procedures – These must be crystal-clear and up-to-date to protect both your team and your business.

  At-will employment and discipline policies – These need to be consistent, legally sound, and not contradict any other section of the handbook.

  A well-maintained handbook is more than a formality. It’s your frontline protection against employment disputes — and a valuable tool to build trust with your team.
  
  For more information on this topic or to learn how Produce Trust empowers companies working in the produce and food service industries, contact Richard Arias at: richard.arias@apdbla.com