Compliance Services

Addressing Compliance and Your Business

At Orchard HR, we provide Human Resources compliance support on a project or on-going basis. We strongly recommend this service to all of the small businesses we work with. The potential risks (financial, legal, and reputational) can impact more than just your business – they can impact your employees too.

We understand that each business is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We’ll guide you in the policies your business needs and help ensure you have the documentation in place should you ever be faced with a compliance audit or complaint.

Let’s talk a little bit about what’s involved in compliance.

What is Employment Law Compliance and Why is it Important?

There are a multitude of employment laws, regulations, and requirements put in place at the federal, state, and local level in order to protect employees from dangerous or unfair treatment. Compliance refers to the actions a business needs to take in order to remain in legal good standing in relation to these government regulations. While they may often seem burdensome to employers, these regulations have an important purpose: to make sure workers are protected and have recourse in the event that their basic employment rights are violated. 

What are some of the most important areas within compliance that small businesses should be aware of and how can Orchard HR help my business?

• HR Audits and Risk Assessment:  We recommend an internal audit and risk assessment as the first steps in our compliance support for all clients. Before we start developing any policies, we conduct a comprehensive audit to review all existing policies and practices, identify any that are missing, and evaluate where the business might be at risk in an actual state or federal audit.  We ensure that our clients are aware of all required policies and rules they need for compliance and assist them in creating and implementing new policies or procedures.
  
• I-9 Compliance: Properly completing Form I-9 is crucial for verifying that employees are legally authorized to work in the United States, which helps employers avoid fines and legal penalties.
  
• ADA (American Disabilities Act) Compliance: with the ADA ensures equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace. It also helps employers avoid costly claims and demonstrates a commitment to fair employment practices.
  
• Harassment:Preventing harassment helps create a safe, respectful work environment where all employees can thrive without fear of mistreatment or offensive conduct.
  
• Discrimination: Taking measures to prevent workplace discrimination ensures that all employment decisions are fair and based on merit, which promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace. It also protects employers from lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and damage to their reputation.
  
• Terminations: Involuntary terminations can be legal landmines for businesses. Failing to properly document employee policy violations or performance issues can lead to employment claims. In addition, many states have requirements regarding final pay and separation paperwork.

Does your business have all of the necessary policies in place to maintain compliance?

Reach out to us today to ensure your business is protected!