2024 Summertime HR Reminders

Summer officially starts on June 20th this year, but any HR pro knows that summer really starts in May when school’s out and working parents get a lot busier. That means summer is upon us! 

Soon enough, employee needs may change and the workplace can start to look and feel a bit different. This is also the time employees start booking vacations and HR pros typically have a lot more time off requests to manage. Here are a few HR reminders for this summer.  

Summer 2024 Key Dates for HR

May: 

May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Month as well as Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a great opportunity to kickstart a wellness program, which is a workplace initiative designed to improve and promote health and fitness. If you don’t have an Employee Assistance Program in place, it’s also a great time to look into implementing one. 

May 15, 2024– Form 990 is due. Form 990 is an IRS reporting document used by tax-exempt organizations, nonexempt charitable trusts, and section 527 political organizations to provide the information required by section 6033.

May 27, 2024– Since 1868, Memorial Day has been celebrated to recognize the sacrifices of our armed forces and remember those who have died serving the United States. 

With your workforce submitting long PTO requests this summer, it may feel like taking some time off yourself isn’t feasible. This mental health awareness month, aim to prioritize your mental well-being the same way you prioritize your workforce’s mental well-being. Remember, you’re a person too, and you deserve a break! 

June: 

Pride month is during the month of June. Pride celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and represents a good time for employers to promote an inclusive workplace. 

June 19, 2024– Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. 

June 30, 2024– End of Quarter 2. Take some time to consider the year so far. Review quarterly goals, half-year goals, and fiscal-year goals to see how you have progressed. 

July: 

July 4, 2024– Independence Day recognizes the day in 1796 when the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence to birth the United States and begin the Revolutionary War to win our Independence. 

July 31, 2024– This is a big day in the summer! The following forms are due: 

• Form 5500 is due seven months after the end of the plan year, unless extension Form 5558 is filed. Form 5500 is a DOL reporting document used to detail retirement plan information, such as a 401 (k)’s operation, investments, and financial condition. 

• Form 5558 is due if employers need an extension. Form 5558 is an IRS reporting document used to apply for a one-time deadline extension to file DOL Form 5500 Series documents. If this form is filed, the deadline for Form 5500 shifts to October 15, 2024. 

• Form 720 and Form 941 are reporting documents employers must file on a quarterly basis. 

August: 

There aren’t many important HR compliance reminders for August, but August does mark the start of back-to-school season! Employers can help ease back-to-school stress by offering these family friendly benefits and encouraging employees to use them:

• Dependent Care FSAs

• Paid Family Leave 

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

• Paid Time Off

September:

September 2, 2024– Labor Day notes the contributions of America’s workers to the country’s success and prosperity. Many organizations give employees this day off to say ‘thank you’ for their hard work throughout the year. 

September 3, 2024-September 7, 2024– National Payroll Week recognizes payroll professionals. Payroll can be frustrating, and in many small to midsize businesses, it’s HR’s responsibility. So, this is a week to celebrate YOU! 

September 30, 2024– Quarter 3 ends and Summary Annual Reports must be distributed to plan participants. This satisfies the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) annual requirements. 

HR can also use the month of September to plan ahead for October. Check out our free 2024 HR Calendar for more information on key dates!