How long must employers keep personnel files?
On One Hand: At Least for Duration of EmploymentIn the United States, employers must keep personnel files for their employees at least as long as employment lasts. This includes contact and personal information, employment records, payroll records, benefits records, and logs of work-related injuries and illnesses. At no time during an individual’s employment should the company discard any of these files.On the Other: Often LongerDifferent state regulations regard how long personnel files should be kept that vary depending on the type of record in question. For example, in California, employers must keep logs of work-related illnesses and injuries for the total duration of an individual’s employment, plus 30 years.Bottom LineSince regulations vary depending on the state and the type of record in question, it is best to consult your state’s published policies regarding personnel files, or to simply keep the files as long as possible.
