What happens when laws change—will my handbook be updated automatically?

What happens when laws change—will my handbook be updated automatically?

No, your handbook won't update itself automatically, but the system makes staying current simple. When employment laws change, BerniePortal's Compliance system automatically updates its templates and policy language to reflect the new requirements. You'll receive proactive alerts telling you exactly what changed and what you need to do.

What You'll Receive When Laws Change

  • Proactive alerts – Notification that a law affecting your handbook has changed
  • Updated templates – The handbook builder's policy language is automatically refreshed to match new requirements
  • Guidance on required actions – Clear explanation of what you need to update in your handbook
  • Implementation timelines – When the changes take effect and deadlines you need to meet
  • Impact assessments – How the change affects your specific business based on your locations and employee count

What You Need to Do

While the system provides updated language automatically, you still need to take action:

  1. Review the alert to understand what changed
  2. Access the handbook builder to incorporate the updated policy language
  3. Review the changes to ensure they fit your organization
  4. Republish your handbook to employees
  5. Distribute the updated version and collect acknowledgments

Why It Works This Way

Your handbook is customized to your company's specific policies, locations, and employee structure. While the compliance language can be automatically updated in the system's templates, you need to review and approve changes before they're reflected in your organization's official handbook. This ensures you maintain control over your policies while staying compliant.

Staying Ahead

The proactive alert system helps you move from reactive to proactive compliance management. Instead of constantly monitoring changing laws yourself, the system tracks regulations across all your jurisdictions and notifies you when action is needed.

→ See: How do I use the Smart Employee Handbook Builder? for handbook management details.