NSBA PARTNER - Pryor Learning | Why HR Compliance Is the Next Big Challenge for Small Businesses

From evolving labor laws to expanding workplace protections, human resources compliance is growing more complex each year—especially for small-business owners who may not have dedicated HR teams.

As we move through 2025, staying ahead of these shifts isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting your business and your people.

Here are a few key HR areas where small businesses should stay sharp:

• Wage & Hour Law Updates: New state and federal minimum wage laws, overtime exemptions and pay transparency regulations are reshaping how businesses manage compensation.

• Leave & Accommodation Policies: With expanded paid family leave and evolving ADA interpretations, employers must regularly revisit their leave policies.

• Workplace Safety & Harassment Prevention: Many states now require training for workplace harassment, and the regulatory spotlight on psychological safety is growing.

• Hiring & Classification Practices: Misclassifying employees, improper background check procedures and evolving independent contractor rules are common traps.

• Remote Work Considerations: As hybrid work becomes the norm, businesses must rethink policies around data security, reimbursement and multi-state compliance.

Ignoring these updates—even unintentionally—can result in costly fines or lawsuits. But more importantly, maintaining HR compliance builds trust, strengthens culture and positions your business as a responsible employer.

Whether you handle HR in-house or lean on outside experts, now is the time to audit your policies, train your team and prepare for the road ahead. A proactive approach today can save your business significant risk and expense tomorrow.

Pryor Learning offers a wide range of HR training courses and seminars that can help small businesses stay compliant and confident in the face of these evolving regulations.

Schedule your 1:1 personal consultation with one of our learning experts today.