With the start of 2025 fast approaching, HR professionals are advised to tackle certain tasks that can make a significant difference in their organization’s efficiency and compliance. Instead of encouraging the adoption of New Year’s resolutions, which often fade away, the focus is on actionable human resources tasks that can realistically be completed early in the year.
(Re)confirming Exemption Classifications
Given the recent changes to the salary thresholds for “white collar” exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), it’s paramount for HR professionals to reconfirm which employees qualify for exempt status. Legal challenges have caused some uncertainty, but HR must be prepared to make necessary salary adjustments while holding off on implementation until there’s more clarity. This step ensures that employees are classified correctly, and potential disruptions are minimized.
Revising Paid Time Off (PTO) Policies
The start of the year offers an opportune moment for HR departments to revamp PTO policies. This might include merging separate sick and vacation banks into a unified PTO system, adjusting accrual schedules, or altering rollover rules for unused PTO. Such changes can simplify leave management and potentially better align with the company’s operational requirements. A streamlined PTO policy can result in more satisfied employees and more manageable administrative processes.
Updating Drug and Alcohol Testing Policies
As state laws evolve, particularly concerning medical marijuana use, HR professionals must ensure their drug and alcohol testing policies are current and comprehensive. Policies should clearly define permissible use during work hours and on worksites, especially for roles that are safety-sensitive. Communicating any changes at least 10 days before implementation is crucial to maintaining transparency and legal compliance.
Preparing and Distributing Payroll Deduction Agreements
Complying with state laws, HR departments, especially in states like Oklahoma, must secure signed agreements for any payroll deductions beyond those mandated by law. The new year is an ideal time to roll out these deduction agreements, ensuring all payroll actions are legally compliant and clearly understood by employees. This practice not only aligns the company with legal requirements but also fosters trust and clarity between the employer and employees.
Ensuring Compliance and Proactive Policy Management
The overarching theme throughout these tasks is the importance of continuous compliance and proactive management of HR policies. Staying abreast of legal changes and using the start of the year as a strategic point for adjustments allows HR professionals to maintain a stable and legally sound workplace environment. By addressing exemption classifications, revising PTO policies, updating drug and alcohol testing policies, and preparing payroll deduction agreements, HR departments can ensure they begin the year on a strong, compliant footing.
A Pragmatic Approach to HR Management
As 2025 approaches, it is crucial for HR professionals to prioritize specific tasks that can enhance their organization’s efficiency and ensure compliance. Instead of promoting New Year’s resolutions, which often fall by the wayside, the aim is to focus on pragmatic human resources tasks that can realistically be accomplished at the beginning of the year. One important task for HR professionals is to review and update the employee handbook to ensure it reflects current laws and company policies. This not only helps in maintaining compliance but also clarifies expectations for employees. Another task is to conduct a thorough audit of employee records to verify that all documents are up to date and properly filed, which can prevent legal complications.
Additionally, it’s beneficial to plan and schedule training sessions on topics such as workplace safety, diversity, and inclusion. These sessions can enhance the skills and awareness of employees, contributing to a more harmonious and productive work environment. By concentrating on these actionable tasks, HR professionals can make a meaningful impact on their organization as the new year begins.