Labor law is one of the most complex types of law out there, and requires professional guidance to make sure your business is complying with all federal regulations and rules. This is especially important for SMBs, since it’s unlikely you’re paying a retainer fee to keep a lawyer on call at all times. Here are a few reasons why an employment attorney is indispensable for SMBs.
Compliance with the Department of Labor
Labor law is extremely complicated, and if you don’t know the rules, your business could land itself in hot water by denying employees rights to which they’re federally entitled. For example, FMLA laws allow employees to take leave from their job for qualifying events without retribution from their employer. How your business is required to comply with these types of laws vary by size and type, which is why consulting an employment attorney is so important. If someone leaves their job without warning, it may be legal, or it may also be caused to terminate them, and it’s not worth the risk of guessing. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Following Interview Question Rules
Not only are some interview questions completely illegal, but they can also make you a target for an EEOC (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) lawsuit, according to The Balance. Some of the questions not to ask are more obvious than others. Discrimination based on age, race, or gender are commonly known, but it’s also illegal to ask someone’s religion, where they’re from, or what their familial status is.
Labor law is aimed at protecting workers in the US. However, SMBs are more vulnerable than large corporations. The literal cost of breaking a rule is much greater for a small business pinching pennies than a large corporation that gets sued regularly and has in-house counsel. Make sure your business is in compliance with all federal rules and regulations by routinely checking with an employment lawyer.
