Compliance Made Easy Key Employment Laws Every Business Owner Should Know
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Summer Pizza
Teamwork drives small businesses, but as you expand your staff, knowing the employment laws that dictate everything from wages to required lunch breaks is essential. Employment law covers a wide range of topics and by understanding the basics, you can ensure your employees get the treatment they deserve and you remain in full compliance with all applicable laws. Whether you’re the owner of a mom-and-pop store or the CEO of a large corporation, here are the basics you need to know regarding your employees. WAGES AND HOURS The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) spells out federal employee wage and hour protections. Employers must pay workers at least the federal minimum wage and adhere to the overtime rules for employees who work more than 40 hours a week. However, the Act provides exemptions for certain employees from its overtime pay and minimum wage requirements, and also exempts specific employees from overtime pay alone. These exemptions are carefully defined, so employers should verify the precise terms and conditions of any applicable exemption by contacting their local Wage and Hour Division office. Employers must also pay employees all their earned wages by their next payday. In addition to following the standards set by the FLSA, business owners need to keep accurate pay and hour records for their employees. EQUAL TREATMENT Employment laws protect employees from being discriminated against or treated differently. The Equal Pay Act mandates that men and women working in the same place receive equal compensation for performing substantially similar work, even if the jobs are not identical. Title VII also prohibits discrimination based on sex in terms of compensation and benefits. Therefore, someone who asserts an
Equal Pay Act grievance may also have grounds for a claim under Title VII. Further, Title VII, the ADEA, and the ADA all forbid compensation discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Unlike the EPA, these laws do not mandate that the jobs must be substantially equal. Employees have the right to work without facing discrimination. This ensures that an employer cannot base job decisions on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, or genetic information. Additionally, an employer cannot discriminate against workers aged 40 and older due to their age. This right covers all aspects of employment decisions, including hiring, termination, promotions, training, wages, and benefits. Employers are prohibited from making any employment decisions based on bias, including hiring, firing, and benefits.
Fire up the flavor with a grilled summer pizza loaded with veggies and light on the cheese.
Ingredients • 1 lb pizza dough • 1/4 cup pesto • 1/3 cup shredded quesadilla cheese • 10 thin slices of zucchini • 10 thin slices of summer squash • 2 mini bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 thin slice of red onion, diced • 1 strip cooked bacon, chopped Butter Glaze (optional) • 1 tbsp butter • 1 tsp steak seasoning
Directions 1. Preheat grill to high heat on one side.
2. Reduce the flame on half of the grill burners to low. 3. Roll out pizza dough into a circle. Place dough on the grill over high heat. 4. Close the cover and let dough grill for 1–3 minutes until bottom is slightly cooked and shows char marks. 5. Use tongs to flip crust over and move it to the low- heat side. 6. Brush dough with pesto, sprinkle with cheese, and evenly distribute veggies and bacon. 7. Grill for about 3 minutes until cheese is melted; then carefully remove. 8. Optional: Combine butter and seasoning. Brush crust edges with butter glaze and place pizza in broiler until golden. INSPIRATION “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” —Michael Altshuler
SAFE ENVIRONMENT As a business owner, you must
provide a safe environment for your staff. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) applies to almost every business and describes what is required to ensure workplace safety. Under OSHA, there is specific training you may need to provide your staff or equipment you may be required to use in your industry. OSHA isn’t just about ensuring there are no dangerous hazards to your staff; it also covers how to keep records of work-related injuries properly, post details about safety standards, and communicate safety information. Understanding and following employment laws is vital to running a successful small business. By complying with wage and hour laws, keeping proper records, and maintaining a safe environment, you protect yourself from legal woes and create an atmosphere where employees can thrive.
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