HR Updates & Tips for 2026

Ready to kick off the new year by sprucing up your HR practices and making sure everything's in line for 2026? Here are some handy tips to get your organization prepped and ready.

Keep Workplace Posters Visible and Current

The start of the year is a good time to purchase and post updated federal and state posters. These posters are essential for compliance with labor laws and ensuring that employees are aware of their rights. Often, payroll companies provide these posters, or you can buy them online.

• Place posters in common areas such as break rooms or near time clocks where employees gather.

• For companies with remote or hybrid workers, provide digital access to these posters through your intranet or employee portal.

• If your business operates in multiple states, verify that you have the correct posters for each location, as requirements vary by state.

  
  

OSHA Injury & Illness Recordkeeping

If your business is required to maintain OSHA records, staying on top of these requirements is critical.

• Prepare your OSHA Form 300A summary for 2025 incidents. This form must be posted in a visible location from February 1 to April 30, 2026, even if your company had no injuries.

• Companies with 250 or more employees, or those with 20 to 249 employees in certain industries, must submit Form 300A electronically by March 2, 2026, through OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA).

• Begin a new OSHA Form 300 log for 2026 to record any workplace injuries or illnesses as they occur.

Minimum Wage & Pay Practices

Wage laws change regularly, and 2026 brings important updates, especially for businesses in Michigan.

Michigan Minimum Wage
Effective Date	Minimum Hourly Wage Rate	Tipped Credit Minimum (wage paid by employer)
Feb. 21, 2025	$12.48	48% ($5.99/hour)
January 1, 2026	$13.73	60% ($7.79/hour)
January 1, 2027	$15.00	70% ($9.91/hour)

• Note that employees under 18 can be paid 85% of the minimum wage.

• A training wage of $4.25 per hour is allowed for employees under 20 during their first 90 days.

Employee Handbook Review

Start the year off right by updating your employee handbook. It’s a great chance to set clear expectations and keep things consistent across your team. Here are some areas to look at:

• Michigan Earned Sick Time Act requirements, covering accrual, usage, and attendance.

• Employee accommodations, including those under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

• Flexible work arrangements.

• Social media and tech use policies.

• Guidelines on outside employment and conflicts of interest

  
  

Payroll & Recordkeeping Check

For plans that follow the calendar year, make sure PTO balances are reset correctly, carryovers are handled (if needed), and benefit deductions are updated.

Need Support?

If you need a hand with any of this, updating policies, or have HR questions, please don't hesitate to reach out at jschiffer@schifferhr.com.