January Compliance Action Items

Dear Affogato Clients,  

Last month I mentioned that I prefer a theme (or word of the year) to resolutions and this year the word is “evolve”. I still like it, but I’m adding another: accountable. I want to make sure that improvements are sustained.

So, leaning in to this year’s organizational theme, each month will spotlight a focus area that helps us strengthen the  way we work. Unsurprisingly, January’s theme is compliance. Doing a little updating around the house has helped me appreciate how compliance is part of evolution.

Compliance action items for the month are:

• Know Your Rights Notice.  Starting on February 1, 2026,California requires employers to distribute the updated Know Your Rights notice annually. This document outlines essential worker protections, and making sure everyone receives it is a straightforward but important step. Here is the English version; others will be available here. Please share it with all employees—digitally or via print—so everyone has access to the information they’re entitled to.
• Preparing for OSHA 300A Posting.  The posting window runs from February 1 through April 30 each year, so January is the time to review 2025 records, verify accuracy, and finalize the summary.
• Emergency Contact Updates.  No doubt that having current emergency contact information for all employees is important, and it’s even better to verify it regularly. By March 30 California employers must give employees the opportunity to name emergency contacts and to indicate if that contact should be notified if the employee is arrested or detained. Personal circumstances change, and having up-to-date details on file ensures we’re prepared should an urgent situation arise. Encourage employees to take a moment to confirm or update names, numbers, and relationships. This may be a good time to have them look at any beneficiary designations too.

As we evolve throughout the year, having a monthly focus area makes it easier to be accountable as we build a compliant, more informed, and better-organized workplace. That foundation frees us up to work on improvements in the culture, so our attention to compliance makes all the difference.

Ready to take your compliance to the next level? Let’s have a conversation. 

Jonna, Lisha, Suzanne, and Karen

The above/attached information is not a legal advice. It should not be considered as a legal opinion as to which laws apply or as to how any law applies to a particular situation. Companies or individuals should seek advice of Counsel with regards to their situation.