Client Secures a Business Partnership with a Large Company Through Strategic HR and Compliance Solutions

The client, an apparel printing services firm with 140 full-time employees across two facilities, operates in a highly competitive market, including competition from firms outside of the United States. Dedicated to ethical labor practices and sustainable material sourcing, the client set its sights on securing a coveted partnership with a major sports apparel manufacturer and marketer. They had to pass a rigorous Facility Social Labor Module (FLSM) audit to achieve this, ensuring full compliance with the potential customer’s standards.​

Business Challenges

• The client had no experience with an FLSM audit.
• Their long-serving HR manager was on extended FMLA leave with no clear return date, creating a gap in leadership, and at the same time, they needed to prepare for an on-site verification audit focusing on compliance with the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP)
• They required a seasoned HR professional experienced in social and labor compliance to navigate the self-assessment survey and support the audit process.
• A reliance on manual records made it difficult to access required information quickly.
• Data integrity issues in their payroll system added additional challenges.
• Communication barriers with the Spanish-speaking workforce and auditors added complexity to the process.

Solutions Implemented:

• The Lauber HR professional and the client team conducted discovery, gap identification, and remediation, ensuring the team was audit-ready in the final days.
• Lauber’s HR Business Partner provided comprehensive HR guidance throughout the audit's preparation and execution.
• Process Improvements:
  • Moved harassment training documentation to electronic logs for better tracking.
  • Conducted a thorough review and amendment of the employee handbook.
  • Revised HR policies and procedures and developed and implemented new ones where necessary.
• Lauber’s HR Business Partner oversaw the FLSM audit, which involved a two-day on-site review, including the random selection of six employees for file inspections.
• The audit was successful, paving the way for a potential partnership with this major prospect.

Lauber Business Partners

When your business faces challenges—whether due to growth or external pressures—Lauber Business Partners is here to help. With a robust suite of services, including Accounting, Finance, and Human Capital solutions, we help build smart, healthy companies ready to tackle any challenge. For a confidential consultation, contact us at 414-273-8060 or email [email protected].

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