As the end of the year draws near, the rush to wrap up projects, celebrate the holidays, and plan for a new year kicks into high gear. But before we dive headfirst into 2025, let’s talk about what a proactive compliance and audit check can do to ease that January stress. Here’s a checklist to help keep your business on track in New York State.

Payroll & Benefits Review

Take a close look at payroll and benefits for any adjustments. New York businesses might be facing potential wage increases next year, so review your budgeting now to see if any adjustments will be needed. Verify all employee records for accuracy, double-check that benefits are calculated correctly, and confirm that you’re on top of tax requirements. A little payroll review now can avoid headaches later.

Employee Records & Documentation

Ensure employee records are clean and accurate—this helps in case of audits and ensures you’re ready to enter the new year with updated data. From personal details to employment agreements, New York requires thorough documentation, so this is a chance to spot-check for any updates that might be due.

Policy Reviews

A yearly review of your HR policies is always a good idea. Make sure they align with New York State requirements, especially around harassment prevention, sick leave, and overtime. Are you meeting the state’s unique standards? Remember, clear and compliant policies keep your team informed and reduce your legal risk.

Handling Holiday Staffing: Balancing Flexibility and Fairness

The holiday season is right around the corner, and with it comes the challenge of balancing time off requests, managing workloads, and keeping morale high. Here are some tips to help navigate this season while keeping productivity on track.

Holiday Scheduling Tips

To accommodate time off requests without disrupting operations, consider a rotation system for holiday shifts. Alternating teams or days off can help create a fairer balance. You might also explore flexible hours for non-peak times or make a holiday scheduling calendar so your team knows what to expect.

Overtime Management

With holiday season demands often come extra hours. To avoid costly overtime, cross-train employees in roles they can support if needed, or consider hiring seasonal help. Remember, New York’s overtime laws require time-and-a-half pay, so planning ahead can help manage this expense.

Morale Boosting Ideas

It doesn’t take a big budget to show your team appreciation. Consider offering small tokens of gratitude, like a holiday luncheon, small gifts, or even early leave on a quiet day. A little gesture can go a long way toward creating a positive atmosphere during a busy season.