Employment regulations are constantly changing and evolving in Alberta (and Canada). Staying on top of these changes and complex rules can be challenging as a business owner. Not only that, there is the time spent reviewing your procedures or updating documents like an employee handbook or other essential documents – taking crucial time away from your business and operations. Even as a busy business owner, HR is a critical priority that needs to be placed at the forefront to avoid disgruntled employees, penalties or legal difficulties.
What is HR Compliance?
HR compliance is the process of aligning workplace policies with a city's, province's, country's, and even world's labour laws, and keep in sync with industry-specific regulations and trends. In addition to the procedure set up, enforcing practices to follow these policies is also part of HR compliance.
What laws do you need to know as a business owner?
There are a lot of laws and regulations that are essential to understand and implement both at the provincial and federal levels (depending on your business). Applicable workplace legislation laws may include; employment/labor standards, occupational health, and safety, human rights, pay equity, accessibility, and privacy.
Additionally, it's important to remember there may also be municipal employment laws your business may also need to adhere to.
How to improve HR compliance?
-
Document your company's policies
Your team may be familiar with policies, but it is essential to write down and document them to keep everyone on the same page and make people management more manageable. Some topics you should consider covering include;
- 1. Vacations
- 2. Time tracking methods
- 3. Social media guidelines
- 4. Antidiscrimination and harassment policies
- 5. Leaves (paid and unpaid)
- 6. Performance
- 7. Payroll information
-
Stay on top of regulations
It's crucial to stay on top of the changing regulations in the workplace and implement any changes in your organization. To maintain a firm grasp on the landscape, read press releases and monitor for future changes, network with HR professionals to get their insight on any changes, and regularly audit your processes and procedures
-
Communicate with your employees
As per the definition of HR compliance, it is important to define policies and for employees to follow the guidelines that have been put in place. Employee compliance starts with effective communication around the organization's policies and procedures. Any changes should be communicated within a reasonable time frame; information should be provided regularly and readily available for all employees.
-
Work with an HR provider/consultant
Suppose you are interested in spending more time growing your business and less time working on policies and HR procedures. In that case, it may be wise for you to work with an HR consultant, like Wendy Ellen Inc. Bringing in an expert will ensure your team covers all areas of HR while still leveling up your business.
We want your business to succeed and support your team members by following crucial HR standards in Alberta (and Canada). If you are looking for support with any compliance areas, our team is here to help! Reach out to our experts at Wendy Ellen Inc. to assist with all your organization's HR practices.
