All businesses survive or thrive based on the capabilities of their personnel, and that includes credit unions. Staff members are not only the credit union's most expensive resource, but also its most volatile, and numerous laws and regulations exist to make sure staff members are treated fairly and equitably in the workplace.

However, HR issues are growing in complexity, putting added pressure on both HR personnel and executive staff to follow the letter of employment law without compromising the safety, soundness and security of the credit union, according to attorney Robert E. Gregg, an employment law specialist with the Madison, Wis.-based law firm Boardman & Clark LLP. Often, it's the little things that can cause the biggest headaches, he said.

"My view of the important issues are not always the ones seen by HR people as being important," Gregg said. "I'm concerned about the day-to-day items like documentation, communication and confidentiality."