A multi-day HR essentials course that gives HR professionals a working knowledge of the laws, records, and day-to-day practices the job runs on.
HR Essentials is an in-depth review of the key functions and regulatory requirements of HR, with content kept current to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island employment law. You’ll be able to reduce costs, avoid lawsuits, and handle the HR issues that actually come across your desk.
This is a multi-day series, offered in person (Agawam, MA) or virtual, and it carries 19.5 HRCI and SHRM credit hours.
Learning Objectives
The series works through the full HR function, from the laws that frame the job to the day-to-day mechanics of running it. Modules include:
- The evolution of HR and the law. How the HR role has changed, and the core employment and discrimination laws behind it, including ADA, FMLA, harassment, and wage-and-hour rules, along with personnel recordkeeping requirements and OSHA workplace-safety obligations.
- Technology and partnerships. The systems HR runs on and the internal and external partners you work with to get the job done.
- The employee lifecycle. HR’s role at every stage of an employee’s time with the organization:
- Talent acquisition and onboarding, including legal interviewing, selection, and new-employee orientation
- Compensation and benefits
- Learning, development, and performance management, plus discipline, documentation, and the termination process
- Leave of absence
- Finance for HR. The budgeting and financial fundamentals HR professionals are expected to understand.
- Your development. Building your own path and credibility as an HR professional.
Who should attend
- New HR professionals building a foundation
- Business support professionals responsible for HR administration, including office managers, payroll administrators, and financial professionals
- HR generalists who want a refresher on core HR concepts, laws, regulations, administration, and best practices
Registration Fee 2026
EANE MEMBERS | $905 Per person for the series
FUTURE MEMBERS | $1065 Per person for the series
Register 3 or more participants at the same time for the same class and save 10%
HRCI & SHRM Credits: 19.5
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the HR Essentials course cover?
The full HR function. It starts with the evolution of HR and the employment and discrimination laws behind it (ADA, FMLA, harassment, wage-and-hour), then moves through the technology and partnerships HR relies on and the entire employee lifecycle: talent acquisition and onboarding, compensation and benefits, learning, development, and performance management, and leave of absence. It closes with finance for HR and your own professional development. Content is kept current to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island law.
Who is HR Essentials for?
New HR professionals, administrators who have picked up HR responsibilities (office managers, payroll, finance), and HR generalists who want a refresher.
How long is HR Essentials, and is it in person or virtual?
It’s a multi-day series. The September session runs in person in Agawam, MA; the October session runs virtually.
Does HR Essentials cover Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island law specifically?
Yes. The content includes updated employment legislation for all three states.
Is HR Essentials eligible for HRCI or SHRM credit?
Yes—19.5 HRCI and SHRM credit hours across the series.