Growing from 20 to 200 employees in Houston, TX changes everything for employers. What worked for a small team won't scale without proper HR compliance foundations. This brief covers the critical compliance steps Houston employers need to master during rapid growth.
Compliance Growth Checklist
Phase 1: Foundation (20-50 Employees)
Employment Verification
Complete Form I-9 for all new hires within 3 business days. Use E-Verify for federal contractors.
Learn more →Workers' Compensation
Secure coverage through Texas Department of Insurance. Rates vary by industry and payroll.
Learn more →Written Policies
Create clear policies for attendance, conduct, and termination procedures.
Learn more →Phase 2: Structure (50-100 Employees)
At this stage, informal processes break down. Houston employers need documented procedures and dedicated HR resources to maintain compliance while supporting growth.
Compliance Timeline: 50-100 Employees
Days to Complete
ADA compliance review and reasonable accommodations procedures
Days to Complete
FMLA policy implementation and employee communications
Days to Complete
Comprehensive employee handbook and training program rollout
Phase 3: Scale (100-200 Employees)
Large team compliance requires systematic processes, dedicated HR leadership, and proactive risk management. Houston employers at this scale need comprehensive compliance programs.
🔍 Compliance Audits
- •Quarterly I-9 audits and reverification
- •Annual harassment prevention training
- •Regular wage and hour compliance reviews
Risk Management
- •Employment practices liability insurance
- •Incident response and investigation procedures
- •Regular legal compliance updates
Critical Warning
Texas Workforce Commission penalties for compliance violations can reach $10,000+ per violation. EEOC charges can result in significant damages and legal fees.
Don't wait for an audit or complaint to address compliance gaps. Proactive compliance saves money and protects your business.
Houston-Specific Compliance Considerations
Urban Density
Higher employee concentration means more potential for workplace issues
Energy Sector
Oil & gas employers face specific OSHA and environmental compliance
Healthcare Focus
Texas Medical Center employers need HIPAA and healthcare-specific compliance
Further Reading
Ready to Scale with Confidence?
Growing from 20 to 200 employees is an exciting milestone. Don't let compliance issues slow your momentum. Our Houston-based HR consultants can help you build the compliance foundation your growing team needs.