Workplace rules and policies

What a company can require, and where it stops.

Handbooks, dress codes, attendance, schedules and the demands made of the work itself — which rules an employer may set freely, and which ones federal or state law limits.

The handbook and company policies

What a handbook binds an employer to, and what it can change without telling anyone.

The employee handbook Are employee handbooks legally binding? Is an employee handbook a contract? Can an employer change its policies without notice? Changes an employer can make without notice Can your employer change a remote work agreement?

Appearance, conduct and the office

Dress codes, phones, tattoos, drug tests and the rules around office social events.

Can an employer tell you what to wear? Should you hide your tattoos? Can you be fired for using your phone at work? Can your employer make you get a random drug test? The office holiday party: reasons employees get fired Are March Madness office pools illegal?

Attendance, schedules and time off

Calling in sick, shift changes, and whether a time-off request can be refused.

Can you be fired for calling in sick? Can an employer change your schedule without notice? Can employers change your schedule last minute? Can your employer deny your PTO request? PTO legal issues Can your employer make you work through lunch?

What can be required of the work itself

Extra duties, extra hours, and software that watches the work being done.

Can my boss make me do someone else’s job? Can employers force overtime? Can your employer make you work seven days in a row? Can your employer make you work on a holiday? Can your employer make you work off the clock? Can your employer require you to use monitoring software?

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The three most recent workplace rules and policy articles.

Can your employer require you to use monitoring software? Can your employer change a remote work agreement? Are employee handbooks legally binding?

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General information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state. See our Disclaimer and Terms.