Every legitimate business must prioritize compliance. But where to start? Between long-standing federal requirements and emerging state laws, HR has to understand both — and more — to shield their organizations from:
- fines
- audits
- penalties
- other risks associated with noncompliance
This need doesn’t stick to just one area of HR administration, either. Hiring, training, benefits administration and even separation impact a company’s compliance approach.
Luckily, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Knowledge of the most widespread laws can help you lay a foundation. Plus, comprehensive government and compliance software lets you stay proactive by automating the tedious, yet nonetheless important tasks.
Which recent laws will employers face in 2024 and beyond?
On the federal level, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires covered organizations to provide reasonable accommodations to employees for limitations associated with:
- pregnancy
- childbirth
- related medical conditions
Most states already maintain protections for these types of employees. The PWFA doesn’t override these regulations, but it does set a minimum requirement for compliance across the country.
Speaking of state laws, several recently have banned noncompetes, nonsolicitation and confidentiality agreements. On top of these new regulations, employers also need to consider how taxes fluctuate across state lines. For example, Alabama passed a law that exempts hourly workers’ overtime pay from a state tax starting 2024.
What should businesses look for in HR software to boost compliance?
Regardless of your company’s specific needs, the ideal HR software for compliance should help you:
- manage changing regulations and requirements
- find and address areas of potential risk
- mitigate exposure and lighten your team’s administrative burden
- become a dependable compliance resource for the C-suite
- empower employees to easily enter and manage their own data in a truly single software
Remember, even during rampant regulatory shifts, the right HR tech helps you become a compliance champion for your organization.