The compliance landscape is ever changing, and will become even more challenging over time. Maintaining HR compliance is a complex, but necessary task. It involves many departments, and much coordination. Without the proper process in place, a company is potentially exposed to an array of penalties, on multiple levels.
Legal Protection Options for Employers
Many organizations are now embracing the idea of outsourcing their HR functions entirely, to minimize this risk and maximize their bottom line. That said, there are many ways to stay ahead of compliance related issues, while simultaneously gaining that competitive edge.
In an age of growing employee litigation, and compensatory awards, there are steps businesses can take to navigate this maze. Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations pertaining to healthcare, labor and employment, retirement, injury and worker’s compensation, and unemployment.
If these laws and regulations are not followed, the risk could be substantial. Obtaining sound legal advice is a critical piece of the puzzle. Having an attorney who understands not only employment law, but also your company culture, is important.
CorpStrat helps business owners stay compliant with our unique mix of HR Management Software, Guardian HR, Payroll, and Employee Benefits.
Training Your Managers for Compliance
Educating yourself is critical, as HR laws are constantly changing. It is imperative to stay up-to-date on current laws, and establish appropriate policies to communicate to your employees.
Must-Read Legal Policies Include:
- The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Ensure policies are updated within employee policy manuals, and don’t forget to keep it up-to-date and communicate with your team:
- Train your managers and employees, so expectations are clear about the standards you expect them to uphold.
- Listen to your employees in every level of management, so you can heighten your awareness for any risks or noncompliance issues.
- Communicate and express to your employees if/when they are meeting expectations, so that issues are addressed as they arise.
- Always document relevant communication, and maintain personnel records, so as to greatly increase accuracy, and minimize vulnerability.
While this may seem to be a daunting task, taking these steps is absolutely vital to the life and sustainability of your company. One wrong decision can yield catastrophic results for your business. Arm yourself with knowledge, or find a support team that will help guide you through the complicated world of Human Resource management and compliance related issues.