As evolving workplaces and rapidly changing employment laws create new compliance challenges, now is the ideal time for employers to refresh their policies and handbooks to protect their organization and strengthen company culture heading into 2026.

Starting in 2026, high earners can only make Roth catch-up contributions, which means after-tax savings but tax-free growth. Employers should identify who’s affected and make the necessary payroll and plan updates ahead of time.

CalSavers requires employers to confirm whether they already offer a qualified retirement plan, even if they believe they are exempt. Responding to these notices ensures the state records your exemption and prevents unnecessary penalties. Read more to understand what you need to do to maintain compliance.

We’re excited to share that Rising Tide HR now offers bilingual HR and business support in English and Spanish. Clear communication builds stronger workplaces, and this new service helps ensure every employee feels informed and valued. Our bilingual team can assist with HR, payroll, accounting, and translations for handbooks, onboarding materials, and benefits communication. We’re here to help businesses connect more effectively with their teams and communities. Learn more about how we can support you.

Few situations test a leader’s judgment like suspecting an employee may be under the influence at work, requiring both empathy and quick thinking. Learn how to handle these conversations with care, protect your team, and stay compliant.

OSHA’s preliminary data for 2025 shows that fall protection remains the most frequently cited safety violation for the 15th consecutive year, with nearly 6,000 citations. This highlights the ongoing need for employers to prioritize safety measures and employee training to prevent accidents and stay compliant.

The IRS has released the new Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limits for 2026! HSA’s remain a valuable benefit for employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), helping them save pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. These annual updates reflect inflation and rising healthcare costs. To stay ahead of the change, HR and Payroll teams should review HDHP plan designs, update payroll systems with the new limits, and communicate these adjustments clearly during open enrollment. Providing employees with simple guidance on how to adjust their contributions can help them take full advantage of the tax savings HSA’s offer.

Completing Form I-9 accurately is more critical than ever for employers. With recent updates from USCIS and a high rate of errors observed in audits, ensuring every section is filled out correctly isn’t just best practice, but it’s essential for compliance and avoiding penalties.

2026 is bringing a new wave of minimum wage increases across the U.S. By staying informed and preparing early, employers can avoid compliance pitfalls and ensure smooth transitions for their teams.

The Rising Tide team helps you stay ahead of ever-changing federal and state regulations, ensuring compliance while proactively planning for the financial impact on your business.

Exciting news - our CEO & Founder, Morgen Monie, was selected as 1 of only 12 leaders nationwide to join Gusto’s Partner Advisory Council, helping shape the future of HR, payroll, and small business growth!

From equity programs that reach beyond the C-suite to ESG-linked incentives and faster vesting schedules, today’s compensation strategies demand a smarter, more balanced approach.

In our latest blog, we break down the biggest trends shaping executive pay and how to design programs that truly attract, retain, and motivate top leaders.

Ensuring timely final paychecks is a key compliance responsibility when an employee leaves your company. For CEOs managing teams across multiple states, understanding varying state laws, some requiring immediate payment, is essential to avoid legal pitfalls.

When an employee is injured at work, how you respond can make all the difference, for their recovery, your team’s morale, and your organization’s compliance. This guide walks leaders through the essential steps to ensure safety, support, and adherence to workplace injury protocols.

A Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) isn’t just another compliance checklist item, it’s a critical part of protecting your team and your business. CA OSHA requires employers to not only establish a WVPP, but to train employees initially, annually, and whenever new risks arise. Beyond compliance, a strong WVPP builds trust, improves employee confidence, and reduces risk across the organization.

Employee engagement isn’t just a nice to have, it’s a proven profit driver. Yet last year, engagement dropped to just 21%, costing the global economy $438 billion in lost productivity. The good news? One of the fastest, most impactful ways to turn the tide starts with something free, simple, and entirely in your control: daily appreciation and recognition.

AI is transforming the workplace, especially in HR, where it’s streamlining tasks like recruiting, onboarding, and internal communication. But while AI offers speed and efficiency, it also introduces serious risks, especially when sensitive employee data is involved or when leaders rely too heavily on AI for compliance decisions. At Rising Tide HR, we believe AI should support, not replace, human judgment, and we help businesses use it thoughtfully and responsibly.

Whether you're hiring your first employee or managing a growing team, staying compliant with employment eligibility laws is critical. In the U.S., two foundational tools for compliance are Form I-9 and E-Verify. If these aren’t used correctly, or are overlooked entirely, you may be exposing your business to serious legal and financial risks. With increased focus on immigration enforcement and workplace audits, now is the time to review your processes and ensure your team is set up for success.

Planning parental leave can often feel like navigating a maze—but understanding how California Paid Family Leave (PFL) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) work together can bring much-needed clarity. Whether you're an employee figuring out your leave timeline or an employer supporting your team and managing LOA-related payroll, knowing the ins and outs of these programs makes all the difference.

Employee engagement surveys aren’t just a ‘nice to have’, they’re a strategic must. These surveys give your team a voice, uncover what’s working (and what’s not), and provide the insight needed to build a culture where people want to stay. In this post, we break down how to launch a meaningful survey without spending a dime, plus 100 sample questions and tips for turning feedback into action.

Rising Tide HR is proud to celebrate five years of impact with our incredible client, The Farmlink Project! From rescuing over 300 million pounds of food to providing 250 million meals and responding to natural disasters, their mission continues to change lives. We’re honored to support their passionate team with HR strategy and culture as they fight food insecurity and reduce waste nationwide.