End of the Year HR Checklist
1. Year-End Performance Reviews and Feedback:
- Conduct Performance Evaluations: Ensure that all employees receive performance reviews. This often involves gathering feedback from multiple sources, setting up review meetings, and discussing accomplishments and areas for growth.
- Set Goals for Next Year: Begin collaborating with team leaders and employees to set goals and development plans for the upcoming year.
2. Planning for Holiday Time Off and Staffing:
- Manage Holiday Schedules: Coordinate and approve holiday time-off requests to ensure adequate coverage across all departments.
- Temporary Staffing Needs: If necessary, hire temporary staff to cover for employees on vacation.
3. End-of-Year Compliance and Reporting:
- Tax and Legal Compliance: Ensure all employee-related tax documents and compliance reports are prepared and ready to be filed as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
- HR Audits: Perform internal audits to make sure all HR processes and records are up-to-date and compliant with laws and regulations.
4. Employee Engagement and Morale:
- Holiday Events and Recognition: Organize holiday parties, team-building activities, or social gatherings to boost employee morale.
- Recognition Awards: Recognize achievements and contributions through awards or other forms of acknowledgment.
5. Budget and Workforce Planning: HR Budget Review:
- Analyze the current year’s HR budget and begin planning for the next year’s budget.
- Workforce Planning: Assess staffing needs for the upcoming year and create recruiting plans to address any gaps.
6. Policy Reviews and Updates:
- Update Policies: Review and update company policies and the employee handbook to reflect any changes in laws, regulations, or company practices.
7. Data Analysis and Metrics:
- HR Metrics Review: Analyze HR metrics to assess the effectiveness of HR initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
- Employee Surveys: Distribute employee satisfaction or engagement surveys to gather feedback and plan improvements for the next year.
8. Health and Wellness Initiatives:
- Open Enrollment for Benefits: Administer the open enrollment period for employee benefits, ensuring that employees have all the information they need to make informed decisions.
- Wellness Programs: Promote health and wellness programs to help employees manage the stress and demands of the holiday season.