Freshen Up Your HR Practices: A Spring-Cleaning Guide

As the spring season brings new beginnings and fresh starts, it's the perfect time for your human resources practices to undergo a thorough spring cleaning. At Strategic HR Advisory, we understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest regulations and ensuring that your company's HR policies are both compliant and effective. In this blog post, we'll explore key areas for HR spring cleaning and provide valuable insights to help your company thrive in the new season. 

Conducting HR Assessments 

Spring is an ideal time to assess the overall health and effectiveness of your HR processes. Our comprehensive HR assessment helps identify areas for improvement and opportunities for growth. Take a second and look at your company and assess:  

• Are Federal/State/Local labor law posters and your applicable California Wage Order posted in the workplace and/or provided to employees?  

• Do you have a fully completed and accurate I-9 for each employee with both Sections 1 and 2 completed?  

• Is your employee handbook up to date with laws for the current year?  

• Do you have a signed handbook acknowledgment for each employee?  

• Do you have clear job descriptions for each employee and pay scales?  

• Are you ensuring that both employees and supervisors meet the harassment training requirements, including completion within six months of hire and every two years thereafter? 

• If you have employees in California: 

  • Have you provided your employees with a copy of the Know Your Rights Notice?

  • Are hourly employees provided written notice at the time of hire in accordance with California Labor Code Section 2810.50?  

  • Do you have an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) and ongoing safety training for employees?  

  • Have you developed a Workplace Violence Prevention Program? 

Updating Your Company Handbook 

Staying compliant with state-specific regulations is essential.  We'll ensure that your HR policies comply with Federal, state, and any relevant local laws. Our human resources experts can assist you in updating your company handbook to reflect the latest changes for the new year. 

Here are just a couple updates to know about: 

• If you have employees in California, paid sick leave can be used for absences to serve on a jury.

• If you have employees in Colorado, you must share a copy of the updated COMPS poster in your handbook.

• If you have employees in Oregon, employees may use paid sick leave to donate blood.

Document Retention 

Proper document retention is essential for ensuring legal compliance and protecting your company in an audit or litigation. Our experts can assist you in developing a comprehensive document retention policy tailored to your company's specific needs ranging from I-9 forms, wage equality, exit interviews, and Workplace Violence forms. 

As you embark on your spring-cleaning journey, don't overlook the importance of refreshing your HR practices. With Strategic HR Advisory by your side, you can trust that your HR operations are in capable hands. From conducting assessments to updating your company handbook and addressing key legislative changes, we're here to support your company every step of the way.  

Contact us today to learn more about our HR consulting services and start spring cleaning your HR practices for success.