Your New Year HR Audit: Start The Year Strong

With the new year just around the corner, many leaders are focused on fresh starts, big goals, and ambitious projects. But before you dive in headfirst, there’s one step that’s easy to overlook, but essential if you’re looking to start 2025 on solid ground with your people practices: The New Year HR Audit. 

I get it, when you’re running a business or a team, HR audits don’t exactly scream “exciting!”. But, kind of like when you’re cleaning out a closet, doing a thorough review of your HR function can reveal things you’d forgotten about hiding in the back corners. From compliance issues (surprise!) to outdated policies that don’t reflect your culture, a little cleanup can go a long ways in saving you headaches (and money) down the line. 

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

If you think you have your HR practices nailed down, it might surprise you how many of our clients have been caught off guard by their blind spots. One of our clients initially felt pretty confident in their setup. “We’re covered” they said, and pointed us in the direction of a Google Drive folder last opened during the first wave of the pandemic. When the audit was finished, we’d unearthed outdated job descriptions, non compliant overtime policies, sketchy employment agreements with no termination clause, unhappy key employees, and an onboarding process basically written on post-its (to name a few). 

And, honestly, we completely understand. You’re running a business, keeping customers happy, creating products, managing projects and teams and the bottom line…going through your HR docs probably doesn’t make it to the top of the list. And business leaders often don’t know what they don’t know, which is where an HR audit can be a game-changer when it comes to managing risks.

Why Bother? Isn’t It Just Extra Paperwork?

We aren’t into wasting our time or yours. An HR audit isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about preventing future problems. Think of it this way: small gaps in your policies or compliance can quickly snowball. Small details can add up to big dollars. 

It’s also about making sure your team is set up to succeed. Imagine starting the year with a clear handbook, a streamlined performance review process, a shiny onboarding process that knocks the socks off new employees, and knowing all your compliance bases are covered. That kind of clarity means you can focus on what really matters—growing the business and supporting your team.

What is it exactly? 

Our HR audit process takes the guesswork out of strategic HR planning by looking at every element of the employee life cycle objectively.

From employer brand and attraction to departures and every step in between, the audit looks at your people practices through a holistic lens. The audit process identifies what is working well, where there are opportunities for growth, how to manage risks proactively, and how to prioritize to move the needle in the right direction quickly.

Ultimately, an HR audit isn’t just about tidying up policies—it’s about making sure your business is ready for growth, legally sound, and well-prepared to support your team in the new year.

At Reimagine, this is what we do. This is what we love doing. Let us help you sift through the old, and move into the new year confident and prepared, with an HR audit that can catch potential issues, streamline policies, and set your team up for success.