As 2025 comes to an end, Rochester-area employers are gearing up for the transition into 2026. December is the ideal time to review HR, payroll, and compliance responsibilities so you can start the new year prepared and confident. This Rochester Employers HR Compliance Checklist offers a clear, supportive framework to help you wrap up the year smoothly and set your organization up for success in 2026.
Whether you manage HR, payroll, or benefits, these five smart steps will help you begin the new year strong.
Employee classification reviews are an essential part of year-end preparation and a key component of the Rochester Employers HR Compliance Checklist. Before 2026 begins, verify that employees are properly classified to prevent payroll discrepancies or wage-hour compliance issues.
Review:
Exempt vs. non-exempt status
Job duties vs. job descriptions
Federal and state salary thresholds
Changes related to remote or hybrid roles
Making updates now helps ensure accurate payroll and compliant overtime calculations in January and beyond.
ACA reporting deadlines arrive shortly after the new year, making December the perfect time to ensure your data is accurate. Including ACA preparation in your HR Compliance Checklist ensures January runs more smoothly.
Confirm:
Full-time employee counts
Correct enrollment and dependent information
Affordability and safe harbor codes
Accurate data for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C
Preparing now avoids last-minute stress when reporting windows open in early 2026.
New York State typically updates wage and leave requirements each year. December is your window to adjust payroll systems before the first pay period of 2026.
As Senior HR Consultant at Bene-Care Tyler Norton states in Episode 6 of our HCM Insights Series,
“Pay transparency is the biggest compliance focus for New York in 2026.”
Include these items in your HR Compliance Checklist:
Verify that the 2026 minimum wage rates are updated for your region and industry.
Confirm new employee contribution rates and apply them to your January payroll schedule.
Review accruals and balances to ensure compliance heading into the new year.
By updating these items before 2026, you ensure accuracy and reduce the need for mid-month corrections.
After open enrollment closes, reviewing benefit elections and carrier data is one of the most valuable items on your HR Compliance Checklist. Ensuring accuracy now avoids coverage issues in early 2026.
Verify:
Medical, dental, and vision elections
Dependent enrollments
Voluntary benefit selections
Declination and waiver documentation
Employer contribution updates
Carrier feed success and error resolution
This step helps protect employees from billing errors and claim denials when new year coverage begins.
Federal and New York State postings are frequently updated at year-end. December is the ideal time to refresh all required notices.
Your Rochester HR Compliance Checklist should include:
Updated minimum wage posters
OSHA safety notices
EEOC and anti-discrimination postings
NYS Wage Theft Prevention Act notices
Disability and Paid Family Leave materials
If your workforce includes remote employees, ensure they receive digital versions as required.
To ensure you’re using the most up-to-date posters and notices, you can review the state’s official posting requirements here.
A thorough HR Compliance Checklist gives employers clarity, structure, and confidence heading into the new year. By reviewing HR, payroll, and compliance tasks before January, you reduce the chances of errors and support a stronger employee experience from day one of 2026.
“Harassment training remains one of the most overlooked requirements, and outdated materials won’t pass.”
– Tyler Norton, Senior HR Consultant at Bene-Care.
For organizations seeking additional support, Bene-Care provides comprehensive HR and compliance services to help employers navigate evolving regulations with confidence.
Learn more here.
With thoughtful preparation and the right resources, Rochester employers can begin 2026 with confidence. Using this HR Compliance Checklist ensures your organization is ready for the new year—compliant, organized, and supported by strong HR and payroll processes.
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