Would it be unlawful if our client places its employee policies and handbooks exclusively online?

Question

Would it be unlawful if our client places its employee policies and handbooks exclusively online?

Answer 1

I do not think so It depends on what type of company it is. if it is an office based environment it should be ok as everyone will have access to a computer and be able to look it up many technology companies do this. the question is access if any of the employees cannot get access to this information and then you want to dicipline them they might argue that they did not know.... basically you need to talk to a solicitor and get a legal opinion.

Answer 2

Even if there is no law against it, the idea is highly unusual as it (wrongly) assumes that every individual has access to a computer. Your client would be placing its policies and handbooks out of reach of a minority of employees whereas both items should be the subject of face-to-face contact (staff meeting or pre-employment interview) to ensure that the details of the policies etc. are clearly understood.

Answer 3

You must provide each and every employee with a handbook and policies along with having them sign a receipt that they have received it. Putting it online only is setting yourself up for disaster or opening yourself up for problems even if it isn't illegal. Laws are scrambling to keep up with our internet world but I wouldn't push the issue. You don't say where you are located so it's hard to give you a direct response without knowing what laws to which apply to your location. Remember this is a worldwide forum.

Answer 4

In every way. Employee hand books have to be available in every format to ensure equal rights.

Answer 5

Uh, no. I wouldn't care to work for a company with those guidelines, joke or not.

Answer 6

As long as your employees all have access to them, there would be no problem.