For how many years must personnel records be retained after termination of employment?

The correct answer is three years because organizations are generally required to retain personnel records for this duration following an employee's termination. This retention period aligns with guidelines set forth by various regulatory bodies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which emphasize the importance of maintaining accurate records for a significant time to address any potential legal issues, claims, or audits that may arise related to employment. Keeping these records for three years ensures that the information is available to meet compliance requirements and to respond to any inquiries pertinent to the employee's tenure and separation from the organization.

Understanding these regulations around record retention is crucial for maintaining legal and operational integrity within an organization.