{"id":15310,"date":"2025-09-08T18:52:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T18:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citationcanada.com\/?p=15310"},"modified":"2026-04-14T19:38:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T19:38:17","slug":"core-hr-policies-every-policy-manual-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.citationcanada.com\/fr\/blog\/article\/core-hr-policies-every-policy-manual-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Core HR Policies Every Policy Manual Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Policy manuals, employee handbooks, and the HR policies they need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your workplace likely looks very different today than it did a few years ago. Employee needs and business priorities constantly evolve, and your policy manual and its policies need to keep up. Updating these policies ensures your organization reflects current workplace standards and supports your team effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HR and health and safety policies shield your business from liability and ensure a safe workplace. When you clearly communicate, consistently apply, and fairly enforce these policies, they protect your employees\u2019 rights, set clear expectations for employees, and maintain fairness across the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Policy manual essentials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why strong HR and safety policies matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clear policies in your policy manual set expectations and outline acceptable conduct for employees. They help you comply with legislation, meet your obligations, and address the specific needs of your workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HR policies cover crucial areas like work hours, overtime, vacation, performance management, behavioural standards, and disciplinary processes. While certain policies are legislatively required, others provide structure, consistency, and a positive workplace environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These policies aren\u2019t about overwhelming employees with rules\u2014they\u2019re about fostering a safe, fair, and healthy workplace. Applying policies consistently ensures everyone adheres to the same standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Must-have HR policies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to review your employee handbook and update your policies to ensure compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a Canadian employer you’re subject to jursidictional regulations where you operate and certain policies are mandatory. Depending on your organization\u2019s size, industry, or type of work, additional legislated policies may also apply. Beyond these requirements, other common policies can help create a happy and healthy workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three policies every policy manual should include<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Workplace violence and harassment policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every employee is entitled to 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessible employment policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An accessibility policy ensures employees with disabilities can participate fully in the workplace. It identifies and removes barriers while addressing diverse needs. Learn more about accessibility and workplace accommodation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disconnecting from work policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s always-connected world, employees need space to unplug. A disconnecting from work policy creates boundaries and supports work\u2013life balance. Learn more about the benefits of disconnecting from work.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHMIS training and the latest updates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

WHMIS changes for 2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 WHMIS amendments aim to enhance worker safety by requiring more detailed health and safety information on labels and safety data sheets. These updates help workers better understand and protect themselves from workplace hazards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coming into force in 2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations<\/em><\/a> (HPR) came into force on December 15, 2022, to better align Canadian legislation with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A three-year transition period, ending December 14, 2025, allows suppliers, employers, and workers to adapt to the changes. This ensures nationwide consistency through coordination across federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHMIS compliance during the transition period<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During the three-year transition, regulated parties may comply with either the former or amended HPR, but not both. Hazard classifications, safety data sheets (SDSs), and labels (if applicable) must fully follow the chosen version of the regulation. Employers should work with their suppliers to understand what version of HPR their SDSs and labels comply with, make any changes to ensure consistency, and plan for the transition by the compliance date as necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be ready to demonstrate which version your product complies with if requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key updates to WHMIS for 2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The recent amendments bring several key updates: clearer and more precise provisions, new required elements for safety data sheets, and the introduction of a new physical hazard class: chemicals under pressure. Additionally, there\u2019s now a hazard category for non-flammable aerosols and subcategories for flammable gases. Check out the points below for a detailed breakdown of these changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Administrative updates to WHMIS for 2025<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n