November will be gone before you know it, but it’s a great time to do some extra prep work so you don’t feel overwhelmed in December. Make a checklist of what MUST be completed this month. It’s easy to overlook things, so checking things off as you go is the key to staying on top of the game!
Nov 4, 2025 California Special Election — Ensure Your Voting Leave Compliance
With Election Day fast approaching, California employers must ensure compliance with voting leave laws and workplace posting requirements.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Post your “Time Off to Vote” notice at least 10 days before the election — it must be in a visible area where employees can easily see it.
- Employees who cannot vote outside working hours are entitled to up to 2 hours of paid leave to vote.
- Time off should be taken at the beginning or end of a shift, unless otherwise agreed upon.
- Employees must notify you at least 2 working days in advance if they need time off to vote.
- Employees may also volunteer as election officials without penalty (though this time is unpaid).
📄 Download the official “Time Off to Vote” notice from the California Secretary of State:
CA Secretary of State – Time Off to Vote PDF (2025)
If you employ people in multiple states, review the applicable laws — each state’s requirements differ. State Voting Leave Laws
Open Enrollment 2025: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
It’s officially Open Enrollment season, one of the busiest times for HR teams.
Covered California’s Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 31, 2026, with coverage starting January 1.
If you don’t offer group health coverage, direct employees to individual plan options through CoveredCA.com.
Need help with Open Enrollment? Chat with our Benefits specialist today and find a plan that works for your organization: Complimentary Employee Benefits Consultation
The Season of Giving (and Planning)
November is the perfect time to give back and get organized before year-end chaos hits.
💙 Support your community:
Consider joining the #GivingTuesday movement (December 2, 2025). Encourage employees to volunteer, match donations, or select a local nonprofit to support.
Learn more → GivingTuesday.org.
Review emergency and time-off policies:
- How do employees request time off during the holidays?
- Which holidays are paid?
- Do part-time or seasonal employees qualify?
- Is your remote work communication plan ready for winter weather disruptions?
Prep for year-end payroll & compliance:
- Verify all manual checks are entered and taxes submitted
- Flag all vendors needing 1099s for 2025
- Plan FSA renewal communications and 401(k) contribution updates.
Start planning holiday appreciation early:
Employee gifts, cards,in-person or virtual gatherings. Small gestures go a long way in boosting morale.
Looking Ahead to December
- Schedule your performance review process and confirm timelines
- Plan pay adjustments for January
- Draft or update your 2026 compliance calendar
- Reflect on your wins for the year and celebrate them!
November can feel like a sprint to the finish line, but with a proactive HR plan, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Stay compliant, stay communicative, and celebrate your people along the way.
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