Back to Basics!
Happy New Year everyone!
I took some much needed time between the holidays to disconnect and recharge, with hopes of starting the new year with a clear mind, and reignited inspiration. The beginning of the year is a fresh start but for some it can be anxiety-inducing with the pressure to move at full speed, trying to accomplish all the goals you have set for the year.
What if you paused and took a moment to go back to basics? Yes, it’s a great time to move full steam ahead, but you also want to make sure you are set up for success with your basics in line and intact.
What does that mean from a People perspective? Let’s focus on getting your team in order so you can start the year off compliant and organized.
Updated Policies:
New year, new rules! Based on where your business and employees are located, sometimes down to the County, you will need specific policies and procedures to be compliant. This is always based on a variety of factors including location and size of company. These are constantly changing since States, Counties and Cities have taken employment policies into their own hands with Federal protections lacking. Check your state's Department of Labor website to see if there are any new updates on the horizon so you can prepare.
Self Service Resources:
Empowering your team to find answers is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
Who doesn’t love being helpful and answering questions? What I love even more is empowering people with self sufficient information. All of your policies and handbooks should be accessible to your team so your employees have the tools to find information on their own.
This will not only minimize policy based questions, but will also erase the “I didn’t know the policy” conversation.
Notices:
The days of having an employee bulletin board are fading fast. If you do still have a physical location, this is a great spot to hang mandatory employment posters. If you are virtual, set up a share drive that all employees have access to. This includes wage & labor information, employee rights, minimum wage, and a variety of others.
New requirements pop up every day so make sure you are staying up to date on both local and federal requirements.
Sick Time & Paid Time Off:
As with other policies, local and state governments have taken time off policies into their own hands, specifically as it relates to Sick Time and Family Leave. The accruals, time frame, and allotted paid time off varies by where you are located. Check with your local government to ensure you are providing the correct amount of time off for your team. Additionally, make sure you are following any rollover rules.
It’s extremely important for not only you to be aware as a business owner, but to make sure your employee is aware as well.
Organization:
Kick off the year with robust HR organization practices. Ensure new hire paperwork is up to date, I-9 forms are correctly filled out and stored, and employee files are free from extraneous information. Establishing good practices now sets the tone for the year ahead.
A big important piece of advice- if any of your policies or notices are updated, you must notify your employees and make sure they have access to the most updated version. A written acknowledgement or signature is always preferred!
As you dive into the new year, navigating these HR basics not only fortifies your compliance but sets the rhythm for a harmonious and productive year. By staying vigilant with policy updates, empowering your team with self-service resources, adapting to the changing landscape, and fine-tuning your approach to time-off policies, you're laying the groundwork for organizational success.
Remember, organization is not merely a procedural exercise; it's an investment in the efficiency and well-being of your team.
So, as 2024 unfolds, let these foundational practices be the compass guiding you toward a year of growth, compliance, and accomplishment! If you need a partner in this, book a FREE Discovery Call!
Cheers to the year ahead!
