I’ve recently become the HR Manager of a small, independent business of about 90 employees. I’m the first HR person at this business, previously the owner was doing the typical HR duties. By his own admission, he was doing them poorly. It’s a small business, and he had many things on his plate, which I understand.
However, there are some things that I just can’t believe haven’t been getting done. Here’s the most egregious example: not a single employee has a verified I-9 form. Not one. When I asked the owner about it he said “I’ve never heard of that, I’m not sure that’s something we have to do.” …. He emailed their accountant to verify and she, of course, said yes that is something we are required to do.
I really do love this company, overall it’s a good place to work, my coworkers are great, and I align with the business’s mission and values, but I’m scared that I’ve walked into a situation I didn’t create but am responsible for fixing AND legally on the hook for.
Anyone else found themselves in a role like this? Were you able to fix things? Should I run away?