Mid-Year HR Compliance Check-In
by Brett Strauss, Esq., Vice President of HR Services
As we reach the halfway mark of the year, it’s the perfect time for HR professionals and business owners to hit pause, reflect, and ensure everything is on track from a compliance standpoint. A proactive mid-year check-in helps mitigate risks, keep your organization aligned with regulatory requirements, and prepare for a smooth year-end.
The following are areas of consideration as we approach mid-year.
- Review Employee Documentation
Make sure all personnel files are up to date. This includes:
- I-9 forms and eligibility documentation.
- Signed employee handbooks and policy acknowledgments.
- Updated emergency contact information.
- Records of training or certifications
It’s also a good time to ensure digital and physical records are being stored securely and in compliance with applicable data protection laws.
- Audit Wage & Hour Practices
Missteps in payroll and wage compliance can be costly. Mid-year is a great time to verify:
- Employees are properly classified – exempt versus non-exempt.
- Overtime is being calculated and paid correctly.
- Breaks and meal periods are compliant with state/local laws.
- Any changes to pay rates or structures have been documented.
- Stay Current on Local, State, and Federal Regulations
Labor laws evolve quickly. Double-check that you’re aligned with recent changes, such as:
- Minimum wage increases.
- Paid leave laws such as sick leave and parental leave.
- Remote work policies or tax implications.
- Industry-specific regulations.
If you operate in multiple states, be sure your policies reflect regional differences.
- Evaluate Employee Benefits and Open Enrollment Preparation
Now is the time to start preparing for open enrollment season. Evaluate:
- How current benefits are performing and being utilized.
- Any planned updates from your providers.
- Communication strategies for educating employees on their options.
It’s also a good idea to revisit ACA compliance and ensure your reporting is on track for the year.
- Revisit Policies, Handbooks, and Training
Policies that were relevant in January may need updates now. Reassess:
- Remote and hybrid work expectations.
- Harassment and discrimination training.
- Social media and cybersecurity policies.
If you’ve made policy changes during the year, ensure they’ve been properly communicated and acknowledged.
- Check in on Culture and Engagement
Compliance isn’t just about rules, it’s about people. Use mid-year to check the pulse of your team including:
- Are engagement levels strong?
- Are managers giving regular feedback?
- Are there early signs of burnout or turnover risks?
Implementing small changes now can have a big impact by year-end. Mid-year check-ins help organizations stay ahead of compliance risks and support a stronger, healthier workplace. At Payentry, we help businesses of all sizes navigate payroll and HR challenges with scalable, compliant solutions that grow with you. Contact us today to learn how our HR and payroll services can support your business.
Payentry personnel management professionals provide expert support in payroll, workforce management, human resources, benefits administration, and retirement planning services.
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* MPAY LLC dba Payentry (Company), is not a law firm. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in reaching a conclusion in a particular area of law. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations. Receipt of this or any other Company materials does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Company is not responsible for any inadvertent errors that may occur in the publishing process.
