Staying compliant with state and federal regulations is hard to do, but crucial to your operation’s longevity and legal integrity. Things are changing very quickly all the time, especially in California, and we are here to help keep track of what you need in place. Here’s a practical checklist to help you stay on top of compliance requirements.
1. Assign a Compliance Coordinator
Designate a team member, typically the General Manager if you don’t have a Human Resources department, to be responsible for staying updated with compliance changes. This person should monitor updates to state and federal laws that impact your business operations.
2. Subscribe to Government and Industry Bulletins
Stay informed by subscribing to:
- State and Federal Government Bulletins: These provide official updates on legislative changes that could affect your restaurant.
- Local Chamber of Commerce Newsletters: Often, these newsletters include compliance information and other relevant local business news.
- Industry Group Newsletters: Organizations like the National Restaurant Association (NRA) offer resources and updates specific to the hospitality industry. If you are in the Bay Area, the GGRA is very helpful.
3. Implement Proactive Onboarding
Effective onboarding of new hires is more than a day-one orientation. Here’s how to encourage compliance from the start:
- Mandatory Training Before Day One: Require new hires to complete essential compliance courses before their first training day. This can include Responsible Beverage Service (RBS), workplace violence prevention, food handler’s certification, and sexual harassment training. We offer a variety of these courses online and in-person. You can contact us at [email protected] for details.
- Compensate for Training Time: Add a predetermined number of hours (e.g., three hours) to the employee’s first paycheck for the completion of these courses and onboarding on their own time from home.
4. Use Technology and Outsourced Services
If managing compliance in-house is overwhelming:
- Outsourced Compliance Services: Consider hiring an external company (like EyeSpy!) to handle compliance matters. They can provide expertise and help keep your policies up-to-date without the overhead of an internal department.
- Online Training Courses: Utilize platforms that offer compliance training online. This is an efficient way to guarantee that your staff completes their training without logistic hassles. Choose one of ours, 25% off until the end of January. Email [email protected] to register with the discount code 25NEWSLETTER. Existing clients get even further discounts. Contact us for details.
- Online Harassment Training Course, 2 Hour Manager Training. $56.25/person with January Discount
- Online Harassment Training Course, 1 Hour Employee Training. $15/person with January Discount
- Online Workplace Violence Training Course, 1 Hour Training. $15/person with January Discount
5. Schedule and Track Compliance Deadlines
Utilize digital tools to calendar important compliance deadlines, such as training renewals, law updates, and internal audits. This proactive approach helps prevent last-minute scrambles and avoids late fees.
6. Communicate Clearly with Your Team
Make team members aware of compliance requirements and any updates to them:
- Written Communications: Regularly distribute updates and compliance guidelines in written format to promote clarity and provide references for your staff.
- Regular Meetings: Hold briefings as part of staff meetings to discuss and clarify compliance issues, ensuring everyone is informed and on the same page.
7. Review and Revise Regularly
Compliance is not a set-it-and-forget-it part of your business. Regularly review your compliance practices and policies to adapt to new laws and regulations. Audit your compliance status regularly, or let us do it for you!
