There are many laws and regulations that employers must abide by when it comes to their employees. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from wages and benefits to safety and discrimination. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the general duties that employers have towards their employees. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, but it should give you a good idea of the types of things that employers are responsible for.
- Paying Employees
- Paydays/Last Paycheck/Severance Pay
- Reporting to Employees
- Keeping Employees Safe
Paying Employees
As an employer, you are legally obligated to pay your employees for their work. This includes paying them at least the minimum wage, as well as any overtime pay they may be entitled to. You must also provide them with certain benefits, such as vacation pay and health insurance. Also, every employer needs to pay taxes to the IRS, to have a successful business. Failure to comply with these laws can result in serious penalties, including fines and jail time.
In addition to paying your employees, you also have a duty to ensure that their working conditions are safe and free from discrimination.
Paydays/Last Paycheck/Severance Pay
In addition to the wages or salary earned by employees, there are a few other types of payments that may be due to them. These include vacation pay, commissions, bonuses, and tips. If an employee is terminated, they may also be entitled to severance pay. Let’s take a closer look at each of these payments in turn.
Vacation pay is something that accumulates as you work. In other words, it doesn’t matter when you take your vacation – you will still earn the same amount of vacation pay. This can be paid out to you in your regular paycheck, or it can be held until you actually take your vacation (at which point it will usually be paid out in one lump sum).
The commission is another type of payment that may be earned by employees. This is typically given to sales staff and is based on the amount of product they sell. For example, a car salesman might earn a commission of $100 for every car they sell.
Bonuses are usually given to employees as a way to reward them for their good work. They may be given out at the end of the year, or after a big project has been completed successfully.
Tips are often given to service industry workers like waiters and bartenders. They are usually calculated as a percentage of the bill (e.g. 15%), but can also be given in cash at the end of the shift.
Severance pay is given to employees who are terminated from their job. It is usually based on the length of time they worked for the company and is intended to help them transition to a new job.
As you can see, there are a few different types of payments that may be due to employees in addition to their regular wages or salary. It’s important for employers to be aware of these payments, and to make sure that they are paid out correctly and on time. Employees who don’t receive the payments they’re entitled to can often file a claim with the labor board or take legal action against their employer. So it’s in everyone’s best interests to make sure that all employee payments are handled correctly!
Reporting to Employees
Reporting to employees is one of the most important duties of an employer. It ensures that employees are kept up-to-date with company news, changes in policy, and their individual performance. Additionally, regular reporting can help identify issues early on and prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the road. When it comes to reporting, there are a few key things that employers should keep in mind:
First and foremost, reporting should be done on a regular basis. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, setting a schedule will help ensure that employees always know when they can expect to hear from their boss. Secondly, reports should be tailored to each individual employee. This means taking into account their unique skillset, position within the company, and goals. By doing so, employers can provide employees with the most relevant and useful information possible. Finally, reports should be clear and concise. No one wants to wade through a long, drawn-out email – so make sure to get straight to the point.
Keeping Employees Safe
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace that is free of recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. In order to comply with this law, employers must take steps to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring in the first place. This includes providing adequate training to employees so they are aware of potential dangers in the work environment. Employers must also have procedures in place for responding to accidents and injuries should they occur.
One of the most important ways employers can keep their employees safe is by maintaining a clean and well-organized work area. cluttered work areas can lead to trips and falls, while poor lighting can result in eye strain and other problems.
The general duties of employers to employees are important, but there are many other aspects of employment law that employers need to be aware of. If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities as an employer, it’s best to speak with an experienced employment lawyer. An attorney can help you navigate the complex laws and regulations surrounding employment, and ensure that you’re in compliance with all applicable laws. Contact an experienced employment lawyer today to learn more. Thanks for reading!