End-of-Year HR Checklist: Preparing for the New Year

By Christina Santillo, MBA, SHRM-CP , Senior Human Resources Consultant 

Human Resource departments focus a lot of energy on closing up the books each year ensuring benefits are in order, tax documents are ready, records are properly archived or destroyed, and much more. Looking ahead is essential, too. The end of the year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and ensure your people strategies and compliance efforts align with your business goals for the year ahead.

Before the new year begins, consider the following key areas:

1. Policy and Handbook Review: Is your employee handbook current and compliant? Review it to ensure your policies reflect recent legal changes, evolving workplace practices, and your company’s culture. Now is also the time to decide whether you want to add, remove, or update policies for 2026.
2. Strategic Focus (for Your Team and/or Your Organization): What will your priorities be in the new year? Customer service, accuracy, innovation, growth? Establishing a clear focus helps your managers and employees align their daily actions with your broader goals.
3. Goal Setting and KPI: Does your organization have clear goals and measurable KPIs for 2026? Defining performance expectations early sets the tone for accountability and success throughout the year.
4. Communication and Engagement: Once you’ve determined your focus areas, communicate them across the company. Employees who understand the “why” behind decisions are more engaged and committed to achieving results.
5. Plan for Training: Make plans to train your employees in areas that will support your strategic focus and goals for the new year. This may include various focused trainings for your leaders, such as performance management or compliance with FMLA, ADA, etc. And don’t forget annual harassment training for all employees.
6. Budget and Resource Planning: Review budgets, staffing levels, and benefit plans to ensure they align with next year’s goals. Investing time now helps avoid surprises later.

Need Help?

The end of the year is a natural checkpoint for improvement. If you are an employer who would like assistance in proactive planning for 2026, contact our Risk Management Division. Whether you need help with handbook updates, annual trainings, or a full HR assessment, our team of experienced HR professionals will be happy to work with you. You can reach us by phone at 855-873-0374 or by email at hrhelpline@keystoneinsgrp.com.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Use of and access to this web site does not create an attorney-client relationship between East Coast Risk Management or our employment attorney and the user or browser.