Mid-Year Document and Process Review

As we discussed last week, summer often provides employers with a chance to do a thorough mid-year review. While there are a number of deadlines and goals that need to be met at this annual halfway point (e.g., EEO reporting preparation, planning for an audit, etc.), this is also a great time to take a step back and review any documents or internal policies and processes that your organization has in place, and determine if any modifications are warranted for efficiency, compliance, and best practices.

Items that warrant a go-over include:

• Employee Handbook – January is fairly standard for handbook reviews and updates as the start of the year is typically when state and federal agencies release any updates and changes to governing law and regulations applicable to employers. However, updates are often made periodically throughout the year, so a review at this time to ensure compliance with employment and labor law, and to make certain all polices are adequately modified in a timely manner, is a great way to stay on top of these constant changes.
• Job Descriptions – A document that is habitually forgotten about once the initial copy is drafted and put in place, job descriptions should be reviewed regularly to make any changes needed to ensure that the essential functions accurately reflect the work actually being done. The scope of work for so many positions changes on an incredibly regular basis, so taking the time to sit down with your employees and review these duties is essential for FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act)  and DOL (Department of Labor) compliance.
• Internal Processes/Systems – The culture of an organization is something that is always changing with the times. As such, it is important to take a look at how you manage your employees, what processes work and what ones don’t, and how systems can be modified to encourage productivity and loyalty (e.g., modifying a telecommuting policy during the summer months or revamping your process for employee suggestions and feedback).

Making the time to do periodic reviews to documents, processes, and policies can save you a ton of time in the long run and can help ensure that your HR and employment-related documents are always compliant and up to date. HRCentral specializes in reviewing, updating, and creating these documents and processes. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to see if your organization can benefit from an HR department refresh or update!