Are you new to HR? Feeling overwhelmed by everything there is to learn, especially when it comes to employment laws?
Don’t panic. You’re not alone.
You don’t need to know everything on your first day or even in your first year. Even HR professionals with decades of experience are still learning new things.
The most important thing early on is understanding the general landscape and knowing where to go when you need more information. For example, you don’t need to fully understand every detail of the Family and Medical Leave Act before anyone has even requested leave. But you should know whether it applies to your company and where to find the right information when the time comes.
Below are the key HR topics you should become familiar with sooner rather than later.
Accommodations
Accommodations are changes that allow employees with disabilities or religious needs to do their jobs. These changes can involve the work environment, company policies, or even the hiring process. For example, this could mean adjusting a work schedule, changing how a task is done, reassigning a non-essential duty, or providing materials in a different format. The goal is to make sure employees can perform their job and have equal access to opportunities.
At-Will Employment
In most states, employment is considered at-will. This means an employer can end the employment relationship at any time for any legal reason, or even no reason at all. Employees have the same right to leave at any time. That said, it is still important to have a clear business reason for termination and to document it. If a former employee claims they were let go for an illegal reason, documentation helps protect your business.
Benefits
Employee benefits are a major part of overall compensation and go beyond base pay. These benefits are designed to support employees’ health, financial security, and well-being. This often includes things like health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other types of coverage. HR should understand not just what benefits are offered, but also how they help attract and retain employees while staying compliant with laws like the ACA and ERISA.
Discrimination
Unlawful discrimination happens when employees are treated differently because of protected characteristics. These include things like race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and age, among others. For example, refusing to hire or promote someone because of their age or where they were born would be considered illegal under federal law. Many states also have additional protections, so it’s important to be aware of both federal and state rules.
Employee Handbook
An employee handbook helps set clear expectations across your organization. It outlines company policies, benefits, and general workplace guidelines. While it is not required by law, it is a valuable resource for both employers and employees. It is also important to give employees time to review the handbook and acknowledge that they understand it.
Employment Law Compliance
HR compliance is about making sure your company follows all applicable employment laws. This includes federal, state, and local regulations. Because laws change frequently, especially at the state level, it is important to stay informed and update your policies as needed. You don’t need to memorize every law, but you do need to know what applies to your business.
Form I-9
The Form I-9 is required for every new hire and must be completed within their first three days of employment. This form verifies both the employee’s identity and their eligibility to work in the United States. It is a simple process, but it is critical to get right.
Leaves and Time Off
When an employee requests time away from work, there may be legal requirements involved. Both federal and state laws can require employers to provide leave under certain conditions. In some cases, multiple laws may apply at the same time, which can make things more complicated. While there is no federal requirement for paid time off, some states and local areas do require it.
Performance Management
Performance management is about setting clear expectations for employees and making sure evaluations are handled consistently. It helps define what good performance looks like and how to address issues when they arise. If this is handled differently across managers, it can lead to inconsistency and even legal risk.
Recordkeeping
There are strict rules around employee recordkeeping. This includes what records need to be kept, how they should be stored, and how long they must be retained. Staying organized and compliant in this area is essential.
Safety and Health
Employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment under OSHA guidelines. This includes keeping the workplace free from hazards and reporting serious incidents when they occur. Some industries also have additional requirements depending on the level of risk involved.
Termination
Termination is the end of the employment relationship, and there are specific rules that must be followed. This can include final pay requirements, benefit continuation, and providing the proper notices. Handling termination correctly helps reduce risk for your business.
Wage and Hour
Wage and hour laws cover how employees are paid. This includes minimum wage, overtime, and how employees are classified. This is one of the most common areas where businesses make mistakes, and those mistakes can be costly. It is important to follow the most employee-friendly laws when federal, state, and local rules differ.
Need Help Navigating HR and Payroll?
Managing HR responsibilities while running a business can quickly become overwhelming, especially with constantly changing laws and compliance requirements.
ASAP Payroll helps businesses simplify payroll, stay compliant, and manage employees more effectively. If you want support or just have questions, our team is here to help.
Visit https://www.asappayroll.com, give us a call, or request a quote to get started.