At New York City Hospitality Alliance’s seminar “Balancing Employee Relations, Payroll, and the Law” yesterday, we heard from panelists Angie Buonpane, Director of Human Resources at Union Square Hospitality Group, Michael Busch, President of Valiant Restaurant Division, and Carolyn D. Richmond, Partner at Fox Rothschild LLP, who shared excellent insights on human resources and employee relations, including how to stay compliant and reduce the risk of costly lawsuits.
HR is an investment, the panel said, but it can pay off in more ways than one.  Staying compliant with local laws and regulations and creating a respectful and professional corporate culture are the keys to smooth employee-owner relations, the panel agreed. “I know it takes time and money to do the right thing [in HR],” said Buonpane, “but if you do it up front, you’ll never have to worry about it.” Buonpane stressed finding expert partners, from payroll companies, to HR professionals, to employment attorneys, and giving your employees as much information as possible at all levels—from managers to dishwashers—so that everyone can help you stay compliant. Management’s good faith efforts to do the right thing can not only prevent lawsuits, but also help retain good staff, who are more likely to stay in an environment where they feel valued and appreciated, she noted. “It’s all part of building your brand,” added Busch.