About the Expert

Expert: Dr. Thomas W. Faulkner, DBA, SPHR, LSSBB — compliance systems architect for high-risk environments where failure means headlines, lawsuits, and budget crises.

  • Education: Doctor of Business Administration; MBA; M.S. in Leadership & Management
  • Credentials: SPHR · Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
  • Experience: Former municipal HR/Finance Director; 15+ years designing compliance frameworks for public sector, healthcare, and enterprise clients
  • Compliance Specialization: EEOC discrimination prevention, FMLA administration, FLSA wage & hour audits, ADA accommodation processes, Texas employment law
  • Publications: Texas HR Compliance Guide; EEOC Investigation Response Playbook

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When Compliance Failures Cost More Than Prevention

Compliance breaks when systems can't carry the load. Not because people don't care, but because the infrastructure wasn't built to handle the complexity. A missed FMLA notice becomes a lawsuit. An incorrect overtime calculation becomes a DOL investigation. A poorly documented accommodation request becomes an ADA violation.

HR compliance isn't paperwork. It's risk management. Every policy, every form, every process either protects your organization or creates liability. There's no middle ground.

Core Compliance Areas

Protect your organization with proactive compliance systems designed to prevent violations and withstand audits.

⚖️

EEOC Discrimination & Harassment

Defensible processes that prevent, detect, and respond effectively to workplace issues.

  • Investigation protocols that meet EEOC standards
  • Documentation systems built for scrutiny
  • Training programs that change behavior
🗓️

FMLA Leave Administration

Systems that eliminate errors and keep leave management compliant.

  • Automated notice generation
  • Medical certification tracking
  • Return-to-work protocols
⏱️

Wage & Hour (FLSA)

Audits and systems that prevent costly overtime violations.

  • Job duty & classification reviews
  • Timekeeping audits
  • Overtime authorization protocols

ADA Accommodation

Interactive processes that balance employee needs with operations.

  • Clear request & documentation procedures
  • Evaluation criteria for reasonable accommodations
  • Defensible denials when accommodations aren’t possible

Compliance Audit Process

A phased approach to uncover risks and implement lasting solutions.

1

Documentation Review

Policies, job descriptions, and compliance records compared against actual practice.

2

Process Analysis

Workflows tested, key staff interviewed, and systems stress-tested for compliance gaps.

3

Risk Assessment

Compliance risks quantified and prioritized by legal exposure and operational impact.

4

Remediation Planning

Action plans with deliverables, responsibilities, and deadlines established.

5

Implementation Support

Policy updates, training, and system modifications delivered with ongoing guidance.

Compliance Consulting — FAQs

What areas of HR compliance do you cover in Texas?

Our compliance consulting covers EEOC discrimination and harassment prevention, FMLA administration, wage and hour audits under FLSA, ADA accommodations, and Texas-specific requirements such as the Public Information Act and municipal reporting obligations.

How does your EEOC compliance consulting reduce legal risk?

We implement investigation protocols that meet EEOC standards, train supervisors to recognize and address issues early, and establish documentation systems that withstand external review. This proactive approach reduces liability and demonstrates good faith compliance.

What common mistakes do organizations make with FMLA compliance?

Most errors involve missed notices, incorrect benefit calculations, or failure to manage intermittent leave. Our systems automate notices, track medical certifications, and guide managers through return-to-work procedures to ensure full compliance.

How do you identify wage and hour compliance issues before a DOL audit?

We audit job classifications, compare actual duties with written job descriptions, and review timekeeping systems for gaps. This process detects overtime miscalculations and misclassification risks before they trigger investigations.

What does the ADA interactive accommodation process include?

Our protocols establish clear request procedures, medical documentation requirements, and evaluation criteria. Managers receive step-by-step guidance to ensure accommodations are handled consistently, fairly, and in compliance with ADA standards.

Which industries benefit most from compliance consulting?
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Municipal governments, healthcare systems, growing enterprises, and professional services firms all benefit from structured compliance programs. We tailor solutions to each industry’s unique regulatory environment and workforce challenges.

What is included in a compliance audit process?

The audit follows five phases: documentation review, process analysis, risk assessment, remediation planning, and implementation support. Each phase produces clear deliverables that close compliance gaps and reduce exposure.

How long does compliance consulting take and what results can we expect?

Most audits are completed in 2–3 weeks, with remediation taking 30–90 days depending on gaps. Results include updated policies, trained supervisors, defensible documentation, and reduced legal exposure. Emergency reviews can be expedited within days.

Ready to Build Defensible Compliance Systems?

Contact us today for a compliance assessment and see how our systematic approach can protect your organization from regulatory risks and legal challenges.

Request Compliance Assessment