New Year, New HR Headaches: Policy Updates, Nutso Laws & The Post-Holiday Entitlement Parade

January—the time of fresh starts, new goals… and HR’s annual deep dive into a legal maze so twisted it could give a minotaur a headache.

Here we are, ready to update policies and new hire packets, and decode guidelines from not one, not five, but thirteen different states—each with its own special brand of new nutso law that no one needs but bureaucrats come up with to justify their jobs. Because apparently, making compliance easy is not on anyone’s to-do list. 🙃

The “Joy” of Q1 Government Reports

As if juggling a legal octopus wasn’t enough, Q1 rolls in with its beloved tradition of pointless government reports that demand every scrap of data we can muster. We file, we cross our fingers, and pray the feds don’t come knocking with more paperwork.

The Post-Holiday Entitlement Epidemic

And just when we think we might get a breather, the real fun begins: Employees who missed open enrollment suddenly realize—oh wait!—they really want benefits now. No, Susan, “oops, I forgot” is not a recognized exception. Yes, Bob, you did get plenty of reminders.

But nope, here come the entitlement parade in full force, fresh off Christmas and fueled by leftover eggnog. 🎉🎄

Why We Stay

Honestly, some days we ask ourselves why we endure the paper avalanche, the endless emails, and the “Can I speak to HR?” calls from folks who haven’t even introduced themselves yet.

And then we remember—despite the chaos, the weird laws, and the complainers—we’re the gatekeepers of company sanity. The unsung heroes who keep things (mostly) running.

So here’s to another year of HR madness. May your coffee be strong, your patience infinite, and your sense of humor intact.

You're going to need it.