Reflecting on 2024: The Year of Growth, Compliance, and Employee Focus

Wow, what a year! As we wrap up 2024, I’ve been reflecting on both personal and business growth. It's been a year of change, learning, and opportunities. I've had the privilege of being a guest on some incredible podcasts, and I've participated in a variety of speaking engagements that sparked my interest even more in sharing HR insights and leadership tips. It's safe to say, I’m excited about taking on more of both in 2025!

Just like me, many small business owners have experienced their own moments of growth this year. Whether it’s expanding their teams, getting a handle on compliance, or improving their leadership skills, 2024 has been a year of change for so many of us. And speaking of change, there have been some important shifts in the labor laws and employment trends this year that are definitely worth noting as we move into 2025.

2024 Labor Law Updates & Key Compliance Changes

This year, the Department of Labor (DOL) made headlines in revising overtime regulations. For those of you who are managing employees and are still wrapping your head around the new wage and hour laws, here’s a quick refresher:

• Overtime Pay Thresholds: The DOL initially updated salary thresholds for overtime eligibility in April 2024, raising the minimum salary for exempt employees from $35,568 to $43,888 annually. However, in a recent turn of events, the new salary thresholds were blocked by a federal court ruling, meaning the previous $35,568 salary threshold is still in place for now. While the updated law was slated for full implementation in 2025, it’s crucial for businesses to stay on top of changes to wage regulations.
• Paid Leave and Benefits: In addition to overtime, many states have introduced their own paid sick leave and family leave laws. As small business owners, staying compliant with these state-specific requirements is vital. Especially with remote work becoming more common, understanding both federal and local laws ensures your business is on the right track.

Job Growth & Small Business in 2024

This year, job growth has continued to trend positively, with small businesses playing a crucial role in driving that momentum. In fact, small businesses created nearly 60% of new jobs in the U.S. in 2024, making them the backbone of our economy. As businesses grow, the need to hire, onboard, and retain talent increases—and with that comes the need for effective HR practices that can scale with the business.

But how do you keep up with the ever-changing landscape while ensuring your business is compliant and your employees feel supported?

A Year of Personal and Business Growth

For me, 2024 was not just about learning and adapting—it was about embracing growth. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with other entrepreneurs, network, and expand my knowledge base. Speaking at events and sharing insights with others has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s made me even more passionate about helping businesses thrive—because, in the end, it’s all about the people.

This year, I’ve continued to emphasize the importance of creating solid, reliable processes and systems in small businesses, especially when it comes to managing HR. That’s why I’m so excited to dive deeper into these topics in 2025. There are still plenty of small business owners out there who need clarity on things like compliance, hiring, and structuring their teams. And I’m here for it!

What’s Coming in 2025?

There’s a lot to look forward to in the coming year, especially in the realm of HR compliance. As we know, regulations are constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for protecting your business and maintaining a positive work environment.

A few things I’m already seeing on the horizon:

• More states are likely to adopt paid sick leave or similar legislation.
• A continued push for pay transparency will influence how companies set salary ranges.
• Growing interest in employee wellness programs that extend beyond physical health to mental health and burnout prevention.
• With the new administration coming in in January, we can expect some changes, but a thing to keep an eye on is I9 compliance as the administration has been very vocal about cracking down on work authorization.

But one of the most crucial things I recommend for 2025? The employee handbook. If you haven’t updated yours lately—or if you don’t have one at all—now’s the time to get it in place. It’s more than just a compliance tool. It’s a foundational document that sets the tone for your business culture, policies, and employee expectations.

Let’s Make 2025 a Year of Growth & Compliance

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that small businesses need strong systems, clear communication, and up-to-date policies to support their growth and success. And if you’re feeling uncertain about where to start or how to structure your business as it expands, I’m here to help.

Whether you're looking for guidance on building out your HR systems, creating your employee handbook, or tackling compliance challenges, my 3-month startup program,Team Framework, or Consulting services can help. Together, we can ensure that you’re not just staying compliant but also creating a thriving, supportive workplace that attracts and retains top talent.

Cheers to 2025!