--- title: "Simplify: Guide to Decluttered Recordkeeping" description: I'm a big believer in simple, practical advice. Why complicate things?  image: https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/Blog%20Featured%20image%20(2)-Oct-04-2022-12-50-22-80-PM.png --- - - - - [Solutions](https://threadhcm.com/solutions/) - [Applicant Tracking](https://threadhcm.com/applicant-tracking/) - [Human Resources](https://threadhcm.com/human-resources/) - [Payroll](https://threadhcm.com/payroll/) - [Time](https://threadhcm.com/time/) - [Benefits Enrollment](https://threadhcm.com/benefits/) - [ACA Compliance](https://threadhcm.com/aca-compliance/) - [Employee Experience](https://threadhcm.com/employee-experience/) - [Learning Management](https://threadhcm.com/learning-management-system/) - [HR Consulting](https://threadhcm.com/hr-consulting/) - Resources - [Daily Thread Blog](https://blog.threadhcm.com/) - [Free Webinars](https://threadhcm.com/webinars/) - [isolved Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/isolved-releases) - [HR eAlerts](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/hr-ealerts) - [Infographics](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/infographics) - [Press Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/press-release) - [![Thread HCM](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thread_February2020%20Theme/Images/thread-logo-green.png?width=100&height=100&name=thread-logo-green.png "Thread HCM")](https://threadhcm.com) - [Your Happiness](https://threadhcm.com/measuring-your-happiness/) - About - [Our Story](https://threadhcm.com/our-story/) - [Our Culture](https://threadhcm.com/our-culture/) - [Our Team](https://threadhcm.com/team/) - [Associations & More](https://threadhcm.com/associations/) - Contact - [Get In Touch](https://threadhcm.com/contact/) - [Careers at Thread](https://threadhcm.com/careers/) - [Broker or advisor?](https://threadhcm.com/partners/) - [Client Referrals](https://offers.threadhcm.com/refer-a-friend) - [Thread Office Closures](https://offers.threadhcm.com/thread-closures) - [![Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2515809/a2b12e0e-ed5a-400b-912c-d234fd8519d8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2515809/a2b12e0e-ed5a-400b-912c-d234fd8519d8) - *search* *Press enter to begin your search* [![Thread HCM](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thread_February2020%20Theme/Images/thread-logo-green.png?width=250&height=250&name=thread-logo-green.png "Thread HCM")](https://threadhcm.com/) - Solutions - [Applicant Tracking](https://threadhcm.com/applicant-tracking/) - [Human Resources](https://threadhcm.com/human-resources/) - [Payroll](https://threadhcm.com/payroll/) - [Time](https://threadhcm.com/time/) - [Benefits Enrollment](https://threadhcm.com/benefits/) - [ACA Compliance](https://threadhcm.com/aca-compliance/) - [Learn + Learn Pro LMS](https://threadhcm.com/learning-management-system/) - [Consulting](https://threadhcm.com/hr-consulting/) - About - [Our Story](https://threadhcm.com/our-story/) - [Our Culture](https://threadhcm.com/our-culture/) - [Our Team](https://threadhcm.com/team/) - Resources - [Daily Thread Blog](https://blog.threadhcm.com/) - [Infographics](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/infographics) - [Press Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/press-release) - [iSolved Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/isolved-releases) - [Webinars – Live & On Demand](https://threadhcm.com/webinars/) - Contact - [Get In Touch](https://threadhcm.com/contact/) - [Careers at Thread](https://threadhcm.com/careers/) - [Broker or advisor?](https://threadhcm.com/partners/) - [Client Referrals](https://offers.threadhcm.com/refer-a-friend) - [Thread Office Closures](https://offers.threadhcm.com/thread-closures) - [Demo](https://threadhcm.com/demo/) - - - [Human Resources](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/human-resources) # Simplify: Guide to Decluttered Recordkeeping By [HR Pros at HR Support Center](https://blog.threadhcm.com/author/hr-pros-at-hr-support-center) February 24, 2023 I'm a big believer in simple, practical advice. Why complicate things?  - Keep employee files 7 years past [termination](https://threadhcm.com/checklist-for-conducting-a-smooth-termination-meeting/). - Keep OSHA logs for 5 years. - Keep I-9s for either one-year past termination or 3 years after hire, whichever is longer. Then shred them. - If you're not doing e-verify in GA, start doing it. - On a separation notice, list the basic reason (performance did not meet expectations or policy violation or voluntary resignation). You can provide details later if needed. - At an unemployment hearing, speak only when spoken to, and don't exaggerate or add anything to the story. Just provide and confirm the facts and let the officer run the meeting. Your odds of success will be stronger that way.  - When the government issues a big change, such as salary level requirements or vaccine mandates, be prepared if necessary, but wait until it's official, challenged, and confirmed again before putting it into practice. Those things usually get dropped or changed on the day of the compliance deadline. - A health insurance broker who values your business and plans with you will make your life better. - Take the time to make sure every word in your [employee handbook](https://blog.threadhcm.com/how-to-make-good-use-of-your-employee-handbook) is clear and correct. It should answer questions, not create them, and the policies should help your managers manage.   - And if you have to call a government agency for anything, get your mind right first. It's going to be challenging.  - Paid Time Off policies get complicated quickly, so fight to keep them simple. Easy to understand and to administer. You'll enjoy your job more when you keep things simple.  People who use big words only confuse their listeners and defeat the purpose of communication--to be understood. If you understand what I'm saying, that's better for both of us.  Still need help with keeping things simple? Contact our team today! #### **THE DAILY THREAD** The best tips on running a business delivered to your inbox.   ### Most Popular [![Creative Workplace Perks That Boost Engagement](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/party.webp?width=300&name=party.webp) Creative Workplace Perks That Boost Engagement May 5, 2025](https://blog.threadhcm.com/workplace-perks) [![A Heavyweight in Benefits](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Employee%20Engagement/Female%20doctor%20hand%20holding%20syringe%20with%20blue%20background%20and%20charts.jpeg?width=300&name=Female%20doctor%20hand%20holding%20syringe%20with%20blue%20background%20and%20charts.jpeg) A Heavyweight in Benefits March 20, 2025](https://blog.threadhcm.com/weight-loss-drugs) [![Mental health challenges in the workplace](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/landscape-mental-health.jpg?width=300&name=landscape-mental-health.jpg) Mental health challenges in the workplace November 29, 2024](https://blog.threadhcm.com/mental-health-in-the-workplace) ### Most Recent [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/offers.threadhcm.comtime-demo.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=offers.threadhcm.comtime-demo.jpg) Georgia Paid Time Off Laws (PTO) in 2026: A Guide June 22, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/georgia-pto-laws) [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gas-price-pump-mileage.png?width=100&height=100&name=gas-price-pump-mileage.png) IRS Standard Mileage Rates: Calculating Mileage Rates May 12, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/irs-standard-mileage-rate) [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Downtown%20Atlanta%2c%20Georgia%2c%20USA%20skyline..jpeg?width=100&height=100&name=Downtown%20Atlanta,%20Georgia,%20USA%20skyline..jpeg) An Overview: Minimum Wage in Georgia April 15, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/georgia-minimum-wage) [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/paycheck-checkup-1024x416.webp?width=100&height=100&name=paycheck-checkup-1024x416.webp) A Guide to Understanding Gross Pay vs Net Pay March 23, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/gross-pay-vs-net-pay) [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Savannah%2c%20Georgia%2c%20USA%20oak%20tree%20lined%20road%20at%20historic%20Wormsloe%20Plantation..jpeg?width=100&height=100&name=Savannah,%20Georgia,%20USA%20oak%20tree%20lined%20road%20at%20historic%20Wormsloe%20Plantation..jpeg) Understanding Georgia’s Noncompete Laws January 19, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/noncompete-laws-georgia) - ### Previous Post What Can We Do to Improve Employee Retention? - ### Next Post Employees and Their Social Media Activity ### Recommended For You [![Georgia Paid Time Off Laws (PTO) in 2026: A Guide](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/offers.threadhcm.comtime-demo.jpg)](https://blog.threadhcm.com/georgia-pto-laws) ### Georgia Paid Time Off Laws (PTO) in 2026: A Guide ![Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/headshot_circle.gif) [Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/author/barbara-collins) June 22, 2026 [![IRS Standard Mileage Rates: Calculating Mileage Rates](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/gas-price-pump-mileage.png)](https://blog.threadhcm.com/irs-standard-mileage-rate) ### IRS Standard Mileage Rates: Calculating Mileage Rates ![Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/headshot_circle.gif) [Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/author/barbara-collins) May 12, 2026 [![An Overview: Minimum Wage in Georgia](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/Downtown%20Atlanta%2c%20Georgia%2c%20USA%20skyline..jpeg)](https://blog.threadhcm.com/georgia-minimum-wage) ### An Overview: Minimum Wage in Georgia ![Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/headshot_circle.gif) [Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/author/barbara-collins) April 15, 2026 #### Get In Touch 12640 Crabapple Rd., Suite 340 Milton, GA 30004 - [678-366-3447](tel:+1-678-366-3447) - [info@threadhcm.com](mailto:info@threadhcm.com) - - - - [Applicant Tracking](https://threadhcm.com/applicant-tracking/) - [Benefits Enrollment](https://threadhcm.com/benefits/) - [Employee Experience](https://threadhcm.com/employee-experience/) - [Human Resources](https://threadhcm.com/human-resources/) - [Learning Management](https://threadhcm.com/learning-management-system/) - [Payroll](https://threadhcm.com/payroll/) - [Predictive People Analytics](https://threadhcm.com/predictive-people-analytics/) - [Time](https://threadhcm.com/time/) #### Want to Partner? Want to see exactly how iSolved can work for your company? - [REQUEST A DEMO](https://threadhcm.com/demo/) - [HR Consulting Services](https://threadhcm.com/hr-consulting/) - [Brokers & Advisors](https://threadhcm.com/partners/) - More Helpful Links - [isolved Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/isolved-releases) - [Contact](https://threadhcm.com/contact/) - [Careers at Thread](https://threadhcm.com/careers/) - [Company Culture](https://threadhcm.com/culture/) - [Our Team](https://threadhcm.com/team/) - [The Daily Thread Blog](https://blog.threadhcm.com/) © 2025 Thread HCM. All Rights Reserved. - - -