Top Compliance Mistakes Employers Made in 2024—and How to Avoid Them in 2025

As we enter into a new year, the attorneys at IEL and L4L like to look back on the lessons to be gleaned from our practice over the past year.  Here are some of the top compliance mistakes we saw in 2024 – some may be new to you, while others seem to make the list every year.  At any rate, as we head into 2025, it is a good time to get your compliance house in order. If you do not understand these issues, take some time to get training and help so you can avoid the cost and stress that comes with any employment law claim or lawsuit.

  1. Failure to spot an ADA issue before it’s too late – the scope is broad, do you know and understand it?  
  2. A lack of understanding when it comes to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. 
  3. The intersection between the ADA, FMLA, and worker’s compensation. 
  4. Failure to timely and thoroughly investigate claims of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.  
  5. Failure to stay on top of changing laws, like those related to LGBTQ plus discrimination.
  6. Failure to take proactive measures to safeguard your confidential, proprietary, trade secret information and to track trends in the law on this issue. 
  7. Failure to implement agreements and policies related to telecommuting employees. 
  8. Ignoring Department of Labor regulations related to wage and hour issues.
  9. Failing to update handbook policies on an annual basis.
  10. Failing to train supervisors and other leaders on basic employment law compliance issues.

As we step into 2025, now is the time to reflect on the lessons of the past year and take proactive steps to strengthen your compliance efforts. Avoiding these common mistakes requires more than just awareness—it demands training, updated policies, and a commitment to staying informed about evolving employment laws. By addressing these issues head-on, you can create a workplace culture that not only complies with legal standards but also fosters trust, productivity, and long-term success. Don’t let these pitfalls catch you off guard—take action now to protect your business and your in the year ahead.