The HR Manager’s Compliance Calendar for August 2023

19 of July, 2023

So it’s August again, and as the head of HR at your company, you know what that means – another busy month of compliance deadlines and to-dos. Between wrapping up mid-year evaluations, ensuring your workplace policies are up to date, and staying on top of the latest regulations, the dog days of summer can feel more like the dog days of work.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We put together this handy compliance calendar for August 2023 so you can keep your department running like a well-oiled machine even when the summer heat has everyone else dragging.

From important dates for workplace postings to when key reports are due, this guide will help ensure you don’t drop any compliance balls this month. So pour yourself an iced coffee, turn on the AC, and dive into staying legally compliant this August.

Compliance Deadlines to Meet in August

August is a busy month for HR compliance calendar. Here are some key deadlines to keep on your radar:

• The 15th is the deadline to submit your company’s EEO-1 report, which provides employment data categorized by race, ethnicity, and gender. As an HR manager, it’s critical you provide accurate information to avoid potential fines.
• By the 31st, all employee handbooks should be updated to comply with any state or federal law changes that went into effect in July. For example, several states increased their minimum wages this year, so double check yours is up to date.
• The Affordable Care Act requires companies with 50+ full-time employees to offer health insurance. If that’s you, make sure you’ve determined which employees need to be offered coverage by August 15th for a January 1st effective date.
• If you have employees in California, AB 5’s broader definition of “employee” versus “independent contractor” went into effect January 2020. Review any existing independent contractor relationships in August to ensure compliance. Misclassification can mean big penalties.
• OSHA‘s Form 300A summary of work-related injuries and illnesses in 2019 must be posted in a common area from February 1st to April 30th. But start preparing the summaries in August to meet the posting deadline.

Whew, that’s a lot to keep track of! Using a robust HR platform like Sesame can help ensure you don’t miss any key compliance deadlines. Staying on top of the laws will allow you to keep your employees happy, avoid fines, and prevent legal trouble. You’ve got this!

New Laws and Regulations Coming Into Effect

August is a busy month for HR compliance. Here are the new laws and regulations you need to be aware of:

• The federal minimum wage is increasing. As of August 1, the minimum wage for non-exempt employees rises to $10.75 per hour. Be sure to update your company’s pay policies and notify any affected employees.
• Paid leave requirements are expanding in some states. If you have employees in California, New Jersey or Rhode Island, you may need to provide additional paid sick leave or family leave. Check with your state labor department for details.
• The EEO-1 report deadline is August 15. If your company has 100 or more employees, you must submit employment data categorized by race/ethnicity, gender and job category. The report helps the EEOC monitor employment discrimination and enforce anti-discrimination laws.

Sesame’s compliance calendar can help you stay on top of important dates and deadlines. Our software also lets you generate required reports, distribute policy updates, and ensure your company complies with all applicable laws.

Keeping up with HR regulations may seem tedious, but compliance is critical. Following the rules helps avoid costly fines and lawsuits, builds goodwill with employees, and establishes your company as an ethical place of business. With the right tools and mindset, you’ve got this! Focus on what really matters: creating a supportive work environment where everyone can thrive.

FAQ: Compliance Calendar August 2023

As an HR manager, you likely have questions about what needs to be done to ensure compliance in August. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

What compliance deadlines are there in August?

Some key deadlines to be aware of:

• August 1: Deadline for employee benefit plan amendments and summary plan descriptions. Make sure any plan changes from the past year have been properly documented and communicated.
• August 15: Deadline for employee retirement plan amendments. Double check that any necessary changes have been made to stay compliant.
• August 31: Deadline for Form 5500 filings for retirement and welfare benefit plans. Be sure to submit this annual return/report in a timely manner.

Do I need to provide any employee training this month?

It’s a good idea to conduct ongoing compliance training for employees. Some suggested topics for August include:

• Workplace harassment and discrimination: Provide a refresher on company policies and reporting procedures.
• Proper use of workplace technology: Remind employees of any rules around using company phones, computers, software, etc.
• Timekeeping and pay policies: Review how employees should be recording and reporting their hours to ensure they are being paid properly and legally.

What else should I be focused on for compliance this month?

In addition to the deadlines and training, make sure you are staying on top of regular compliance matters like:

• Ensuring I-9 forms are properly completed for all new hires
• Conducting annual employee reviews and compensation planning
• Reviewing and updating employee handbooks and workplace policies as needed
• Monitoring and addressing any employee complaints or concerns right away
• Keeping thorough and accurate records of HR activities and compliance efforts

Following these FAQs and focusing on the key priorities for August will help ensure you are compliant as an HR manager. Don’t hesitate to consult legal counsel if you have any concerns. Let’s work together to promote fair, safe and positive work environments.

Conclusion

So there you have it, your compliance calendar for August 2023. With summer coming to an end and everyone back from vacations, August can feel like a scramble to catch up. But with this handy guide, you’ll know exactly what’s on the horizon and can plan accordingly.

Staying on top of required training, policy reviews, and reporting means avoiding potential fines and ensuring your team is set up for success. While compliance isn’t the most glamorous part of the job, it’s critical to keep your organization running smoothly and legally.

Take it step by step, check in regularly, and before you know it, you’ll be into September and compliance will be locked down for another month. Stay organized and keep your eyes on the calendar – you’ve got this! The summer heat may be fading but your motivation and diligence will keep on burning.