How to End 2022 HR Strong

We’re closing in on the end of 2022, which means there’s a long list of human resource housekeeping items that need to be squared away before 2023 rolls in. Here are some of the key HR to-dos that you don’t want to overlook.

Train managers on new Hawaii labor law updates

Ensure that your business is in compliance with recent and scheduled changes to Hawaii’s minimum wage. Effective October 1, 2022 Hawaii’s minimum wage increased to $12 an hour. Tipped employees may be paid up to $1 less per hour if wages + tips equal $19 or more per hour (through December 31, 2023).

Minimum wage is scheduled to increase again on the following dates:

• $14.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2024
• $16.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2026
• $18.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2028

Related to wages, effective July 12, 2022, penalties increased for employers who fail to pay wages correctly to a Class C felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 5 years. The Act also clarified that penalties will be assessed a minimum of $500 per violation.

In other employment law updates, Act HB 2495 prohibits an employer from entering or requiring an employee to enter into a nondisclosure agreement that prevents discussion of sexual harassment or sexual assault occurring at workplace or work-related event. It also prohibits retaliation.

It’s important to be aware of HR changes at the federal and state levels so you can be proactive steps to prepare your company and remain in compliance. A trusted partner like simplicityHR by ALTRES can help.

Prepare Form W-2 for employees

Employers must complete a Form W-2 for every employee who received a paycheck in 2022. Each employee should receive a copy of their Form W-2 by January 31, 2023.

To ensure all Form W-2s are received by employees on time, we recommend requesting all employees verify their correct mailing address before the end of the year. Or use an automated system like HR Symphony to help manage changes for employee W-2s.

To find a full list of rules and regulations regarding the Form W-2, please check the IRS website.

Recap performance evaluations

Ideally, managers should check in with their employees at least once every quarter to review goals, monitor progress, and offer feedback, support, and coaching.

An end-of-the-year performance evaluation could be a summary of your check-ins throughout the year. Use this as a time to discuss what else the company can do to help employees be successful in the coming year and allow them to share feedback about how they’re doing. These ongoing discussions should give employers a good idea of the levels of employee engagement.

If your team is not currently meeting throughout the year, the New Year is a great time to start.

Read also: 5 Steps to Hassle-Free Performance Evaluations

Update your employee handbook

Now is a great time to review your company’s employee handbook. Did you add a new policy or change your benefits recently? Have there been state or federal employment law changes within the last year? If so, your handbook needs an update.

Ideally, employers should review their handbooks annually.

Make 2023 your most efficient year yet

If you’re struggling to manage all the HR aspects of running a business–compliance, payroll, training, benefits, risk management, employment law—you’re not alone.

Many businesses in Hawaii trust simplicityHR by ALTRES to take care of their human resource needs. We’ll help you navigate the HR realm, so you can focus on what’s important, running your business.

Start the New Year with a new way to do business, one that saves you time and money. To learn more about how you can simplify with simplicityHR, contact us today.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should first consult their attorney, accountant or adviser before acting upon any information in this article.