As a People Manager, it is crucial to understand the laws that govern the workplace and employees’ rights. Human Resource Laws protect the interests of both employers and employees and provide guidelines for fair and equitable treatment. In this article, we will discuss the top five HR laws that every People Manager should know to ensure compliance with the law and protect the rights of employees.
The Five Human Resource Laws Every People Manager Should Know:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It protects employees from discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, and pay. Employees have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if they believe they have been discriminated against.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job. Employees with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations, and employers are required to engage in an interactive process to determine what accommodations are necessary.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): The FMLA provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain family and medical reasons. Employees have the right to take leave for their own serious health condition, to care for a family member with a serious health condition, or for the birth or adoption of a child. Employers are required to maintain health benefits for employees on FMLA leave and must restore employees to their same or an equivalent job upon their return.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for covered employees. It requires employers to pay non-exempt employees at least the federal minimum wage and overtime pay at a rate of one and a half times their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Employees have the right to file a complaint with the Department of Labor (DOL) if they believe their employer has violated the FLSA.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): The OSHA requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. It establishes standards for workplace safety and health and requires employers to train employees on the hazards of their job and provide appropriate personal protective equipment. Employees have the right to file a complaint with OSHA if they believe their employer is not providing a safe and healthy workplace.
As a People Manager, it is essential to have a working knowledge of HR laws to ensure compliance and protect the rights of employees. The five laws discussed in this article provide a framework for fair and equitable treatment in the workplace. By understanding these laws and the rights they afford employees, People Managers can create a positive and productive work environment that benefits everyone involved.
