January 1 brings a wave of employment-law updates, including minimum wage increases, posting changes, classification checks, and annual policy requirements. November is the ideal time to get ahead of these updates before the holiday rush and year-end workload arrive, giving you space to prepare with confidence.

Minimum Wage Changes Effective January 1, 2026

  • The federal minimum wage remains $7.25/hour, but many states and municipalities will raise their rates on January 1.
  • Missouri’s minimum wage was increased from $13.75 to $15 an hour.
  • You must pay the highest applicable rate — federal, state, or local.

Remote-work reminder: Pay is based on where the employee physically works, not where your office is located. If you are headquartered in Missouri but have an employee working remotely in Colorado, Colorado’s higher rate applies.

Exempt vs. Nonexempt Classification Audit

The new year is the best time to verify whether exempt employees still meet the salary basis and job duties tests.

  • Review 2026 salary thresholds.
  • Compare job descriptions to actual duties.
  • Document your findings.

Plan reclassifications now—not mid-year.

Annual HR Tasks You Should Complete Before January

  • Required Poster Updates
  • Refresh federal, state, and local postings. Many states release new posters each December.
  • I-9 Audit Prep
    • Confirm use of the current form.
    • Purge eligible old I-9s.
    • Ensure proper separation of personnel vs. I-9 vs. medical files
  • Handbook & Policy Refresh
  • Prepare for Annual Notices
    • Many states require fresh distribution of wage, leave, or unemployment notices every January.
    • Start EEO Data Prep