Our approach
How we review every TrueStep HR tool
Every reference note, calculator, kit, and field guide goes through seven checks before release.
Our seven review checks
What each review covers
We review each tool’s purpose, supporting sources, and how it performs in practice.
Purpose
We define the purpose of each tool, the decision it supports, who it is for, and where it applies.
Research and standards
Important claims are checked against primary or authoritative sources.
Method
Each method is checked against the supporting research and the HR decision the tool is designed for.
Function
Calculations and interactive features are tested with realistic examples, including common input mistakes.
Usability
We review instructions, inputs, results, and error messages for clarity and ease of use.
Presentation
We review the finished file for readability, accessibility, and consistent presentation.
Currency
We keep a record of each tool’s scope, source review dates, and changes.
Editorial approach
Research and review
Greg Best, MBA, SPHR, founded TrueStep HR and oversees the research, writing, and review of every note and tool. His background is available on the About page.
Sources and research
For legal requirements, we start with statutes and regulations, followed by guidance from agencies such as the Department of Labor, EEOC, IRS, and state labor departments. We identify each research study by its source and date.
Review dates
Each note includes its publication date, most recent source check, and change history. We update the review date when we check the sources again.
Source changes
When a source changes, we revisit the affected note and record any revisions.
Related products
Product recommendations include the product name and price.
What each tool includes
Each tool explains the situations it covers and the assumptions behind it.
- Clear guidance on the HR decision and what to consider
- The locations and situations the tool covers
- Dates showing when sources were checked
- A record of completed review checks
- Performance claims checked against supporting evidence
Corrections
Questions or corrections
Have a question about a source or something that needs correcting? Email the page or product name and the details to support@truestephr.com. We reply within one business day. Confirmed errors are corrected, with the date of each change recorded. Reference note changes appear in their change history, and product revisions appear in Product updates.
Reference notes
Explore our reference notes
Browse our HR reference notes, including original sources, review dates, and related tools.
Browse reference notes