Your company is growing quickly, and you’re steadily hiring more full-time employees. Congratulations! Now, you have to level up your Human Resources and Employment Policies.
This post will give you a high level overview of what internal policies you should have, and what federal and local laws you must follow when hiring full time employees.
State Employment Laws
States like New York and California have specific employment laws and requirements you must follow. This includes provisions around minimum wage, new hire filing and reporting, immigration compliance, insurance requirements, and anti-discrimination (which is more widely required).
Policies following Federal Laws based on Number of Employees
There are numerous labor and employment laws that may apply and govern your relationship with your employees, including wage and hour requirements, anti-discrimination laws, hiring and notice requirements, background check laws, leave laws, and whistleblower protection.
As you grow, you will be subject to more federal laws. For example:
- Employers with more than 1 employee: Must follow Fair Labor Standards Act, Equal Pay Act, Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, Civil Rights Act, National Labor Relations Act, Immigration Reform and Control Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Defend Trade Secrets Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Dodd Frank Reform Act.
- Employers with more than 15 employees: The Americans with Disabilities Act, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act also come into effect.
- Employers with more than 20 employees: Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and past 50 employees, the Family and Medical Leave Act kicks in.
Employee Handbook and Internal Policies
You should have a complete set of internal policies based on an Employee Handbook. This handbook can include:
- Anti-Harassment Policy
- Anti-Retaliation Policy
- Equal Opportunity Policy
- Disability Accommodations Policy
- Health and Safety in the Workplace Policy
- Employment Eligibility Verification Compliance Policy
- Immigration Sponsorship Policy
- Payroll Practices and Compensation Policy
- Paid Time Off/Vacation Policy
- Family and Medical Leave Policy
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave Policy
- Standards of Conduct Policy
- Code of Ethics Policy
- Conflict of Interest Policy
- Telecommuting Policy
Let us Help
Growth is an exciting time, but it’s in your best interest to make sure you’re doing it right. This post is just a high level overview of Human Resources and Employment regulations and policies you should be following.
Kader Law can help you understand your requirements as you grow, and connect you to experienced employment attorneys and consultants. If you’d like an assessment, feel free to contact us.
This post is not legal advice, and does not establish any attorney client privilege between Law Office of K.S. Kader, PLLC and you, the reader.