Regulatory compliance defines the process by which a company — and the employees working for that company — ensure that state and federal regulations are met. Most HR departments achieve this by developing a regulatory compliance program that allows them to review business policies and procedures and confirm compliance with government regulations. For example, a legal compliance program may require employees to be trained to identify and report discriminatory activities that do not comply with equal opportunity laws, and then create a process to address reported discriminatory behavior within the company. Such a process helps employers be aware of behaviours that violate workplace mandates and ensure regulatory compliance. Your role as a human resources professional also depends on knowledge of federal requirements for working conditions and compensation required by the Fair Labour Standards Act (FLSA). The DOL`s enforcement strategy encourages companies to identify and mitigate the risk of non-compliance. It also emphasizes the importance of implementing policies at all levels of an organization that prevent the likelihood of violations of the law. A well-thought-out plan also includes regular monitoring and audits to ensure that the plan`s objectives are being met. HR professionals with legal expertise also have a competitive advantage in the workplace due to their ability to proactively minimize a company`s exposure to legal risk.
With their working knowledge of applicable laws and their practical applications, they help companies stay compliant and avoid unnecessary claims while protecting the rights of valued employees. Lawsuits can be costly and time-consuming. HR departments must therefore take a number of steps to avoid all costs. By taking precautions to protect your business from potential legal issues, you can ensure that all employees have a fair work environment and prevent potential issues from escalating into lawsuits. Follow the tips below to prepare your business for potential claims. Protect and defend your business against potential legal claims. Apart from that, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has also implemented a program to help companies ensure they comply with all legal issues for HR professionals. There are a lot of legal issues in human resources. This article serves as a guide to highlight why HR compliance is so important, what laws affect human resource management, and best practices for managing legal issues and lawsuits. These professionals are responsible for frequently making decisions in the field that can have serious legal consequences, so knowing current human resources laws gives these industry workers the confidence to make those decisions or know when to turn to outside counsel.
Persons covered by equal opportunities in the workplace are protected against unlawful discrimination that occurs when persons who share a particular characteristic, such as race, age or sex, are discriminated against on the basis of that characteristic. Persons who have the specified characteristics are called a protected category. Federal legislation has identified the following features for protection: With a variety of regulatory requirements, it`s easy to overlook the importance of staying informed and regularly adjusting workplace policies. You should also know the proper procedures once you have selected a candidate. It is not legal to hire an undocumented resident of the United States. You must verify each employee`s identity and eligibility for employment by asking them to complete Form I-9 provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you are considering earning a degree in human resource management, which is often pursued by future HR professionals, evaluate the program of programs on your shortlist. High-quality programs include courses in each of the above areas, including the specific legal aspects that HR professionals need to understand. Let`s take a look at what HR compliance is and the legal issues that influence HR management.
How might employment law updates in 2020 affect your employees and what do you need to do to stay compliant? The Ministry of Labour enforces about 180 laws to protect workers, ranging from wage requirements to notice periods and parental leave benefits. Other protective measures are monitored by authorities such as the United States. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This legal protection provides workers with a minimum income and protects them against unfair practices in the workplace. Several other statutes also affect personnel practices. The Fair Labour Standards Act sets out the minimum wage, overtime pay rules, and child labour regulations. The Employee Polygraph Protection Act prohibits almost all uses of polygraph machines for employment purposes. Data protection laws provide for legal rights regarding access to employee employment history and performance information in certain jurisdictions. Under the Whistleblower Protection Act, certain workers who publish unsafe employer practices are entitled to legal protection. The table lists other federal statutes that shape HRM practices. Federal legislation covers the entire scope of employment, from hiring the employee to termination. The U.S.
Department of Labor administers important laws and regulations affecting businesses and workers. Legislation prescribes standards for wages and hours of work, health and safety, health benefits, pensions, workers` compensation and working conditions. They describe basic provisions and requirements for employers or employees, workers` rights, records, reports and penalties for non-compliance. There are also specific laws for employers with federal contracts.