1. Pull out your document retention and destruction schedule for review and any needed action or revision

• Look at your existing company retention/destruction schedule
• If you don’t have one within your policy manual, you can find one in the Sample Office Policy Manual, see pages 54-60.

2. Review your data security and privacy policies

• NAR’s Data Security and Privacy Toolkit —this is a good resource to start this process if you don’t yet have these policies in place.

3. Review your important human resources policies

• Anti-harassment policies, including those that prohibit any sort of sexual harassment and /or bullying or threatening behavior 
• Review and/or create your company training schedule
  • Your office policy manual should contain language that defines and prohibits harassment in any form and includes a process for reporting and investigating this sort of behavior.

4. Review workplace safety issues

• Consider workplace safety within your office 
• Issues related to the personal safety of your staff and agents when they are working outside of your office
  • Check out the “56 Safety Tips for REALTORS®” list from NAR
• Read “Workplace Safety Training Should Consider New Scenarios” by Jeff Baker, Illinois REALTORS® Associate General Counsel and Director of Legal Services

5. Review your insurance policies and coverage

• Errors & Omissions for your company and/or your sponsored licensees
  • Check out information on the Illinois REALTORS® preferred provider E&O Insurance Program
• General Commercial Liability for your company and/or your sponsored licensees
• Automobile Insurance 
  • Make sure everyone associated with your company has adequate coverage.

6. Review your independent contractor and/or employment contracts 

• Note: While you are required to have a written independent contractor or employment contract with your sponsored licensees, there is no requirement for a specific end or termination date. There is a requirement for a termination process.
• If the managing broker wants to assure prior notice before a licensee terminates sponsorship with your company, put a required written notice period in your agreement.

7. Review the many forms you use in your office

• Agency disclosures 
• Property disclosures 
• Radon Awareness Disclosure form and pamphlet 
• Residential Real Property Disclosure Report 
• Lead Based Paint Disclosure form and pamphlet 
• Brokerage agreements including property management agreements 
• Purchase and lease contract form(s) that are commonly used in your community