Most employers establish a number of written policies surrounding a number of issues, including drug testing, dress code, business expenses, and use of company equipment. The samples provided here are meant to provide information or serve as a guide in helping you create or evaluate your employment policies.
Drug Use and Testing Policies
An employer who is going to implement a drug testing program should first adopt a drug use and testing policy. As laws vary greatly from state to state on this topic, it is recommended that an employer review state guidelines before proceeding with the program.
The Department of Labor maintains a summary of each state's requirements.
There are typically six types of drug testing:
- Pre-employment
- At the beginning of a newly implemented program
- Post-accident
- Random
- Reasonable suspicion
- Scheduled
A drug-use and testing policy should address each of the types of drug testing that the employer will require. Additionally, the policy should include what substances will be tested, what constitutes a positive result, the consequences of a positive result, and the procedures for re-testing or contesting results. Testing should not be directed at specific individuals, but should be required of all individuals or of individuals in hazardous or safety sensitive positions.
The Department of Labor provides an interactive system to assist employers in developing a policy and even provides specific policy language.
Click here to view
Travel and Business Expense Policy
This sample can be used to develop your company's policy and procedures regarding use of company credit cards, airline travel, meal and entertainment expenses, lodging, and other expenses and procedures associated with traveling on company business.
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Dress Code / Personal Appearance Policy
Although dress codes vary by industry and regional norms, many employers choose to implement at least a basic dress code of acceptable attire in the workplace. This sample policy, written for a business casual work environment, can be adapted to fit your company's culture and dress code while detailing examples of appropriate or inappropriate attire.
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Use and Return of Company Equipment Policy
This sample policy describes use of company resources, including company-issued laptops, call phones, mobile hand-held devices, as well as appropriate use of company computers and internet.
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Proprietary Information and Confidentiality Policy
In the course of employment, employees will be exposed to company confidential information. This sample policy outlines what is considered confidential or proprietary information, as well as actions that may be taken in response to violations of the policy.
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