Mandatory HR Postings: What Your Business Needs to Know
Because Hanging the Wrong Poster Could Hang You Out to Dry
Every workplace in the U.S. is required to display federal, state, and sometimes local labor law posters in a visible, high-traffic area. These notices inform employees about their legal rights—and failing to post the right ones can lead to fines, confusion, and even unintended legal obligations.
Posting the Right Posters for Your Business
Not all businesses are required to display every poster. Federal requirements vary based on:
- Number of employees
- Industry
- Type of workers (e.g., minors, government contracts, etc.)
Posting a poster that doesn't apply to your business—especially something like the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)—can backfire. If you post an FMLA notice but have fewer than 50 employees, courts have held that this can imply you're offering FMLA protections, even if you're not legally required to. That means an employee could request FMLA leave and, if denied, claim your posting promised it.
Risks of Non-Compliance
- Fines and penalties for missing or outdated posters
- Legal exposure from giving employees rights that don’t apply
- Employee claims triggered by incorrect postings
- Reputational damage for appearing careless or uninformed
How to Stay Compliant
- Use the DOL Poster Advisor Tool to determine what applies based on your business size and location.
- Don’t rely on pre-made laminated poster kits—they often include posters not applicable to smaller businesses.
- Audit your postings annually (or whenever employment laws change).
- When in doubt, don’t post it unless you’re required to.
Need Help? Contact Eilers HR
Unsure which posters your business actually needs? I help small and mid-sized employers:
- Identify the right posters for their size and industry
- Avoid accidental legal commitments
- Stay current with changing state and federal rules
Let’s make sure your business is posting only what it must—and nothing that creates unnecessary liability.
📩 Contact Eilers HR for help getting your workplace postings right the first time.

Stay compliant, stay protected, and let your posters work for—not against—you.
