The New Year is here, and with it are not only new (and at times confusing) COVID regulations and recommendations, but other important changes as well. State and Local governments have been hard at work making changes to existing employment laws that will impact your business. Read about impactful changes below.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

As the country moves toward tightening regulations surrounding the classification of independent contractors, as well as exempt and non-exempt employees, it is more important than ever to be sure you correctly classify your employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Here are three things to consider.

  1. Ensure all of your job descriptions reflect the realities of your relationship with workers.
  2. Be sure you have correctly classified all of your workers as exempt or non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act, based upon their job descriptions and specific tasks within that job description.
  3. Should you believe you have Independent Contractors, ensure you have contracts on file for each service, as well as information on their business, including business cards, proposals, and invoices.

While it may seem daunting, correctly classifying your employees can save you tens of thousands of dollars in penalties and fines.

Expanded -Anti-discrimination Protections

Effective in 2022, three North Carolina counties—Wake, Mecklenburg, and Forsyth—have changed their definition of a protected class to include natural hairstyles. In response to this change, employers should now consider whether their dress codes, grooming policies, or other appearance-based rules are discriminatory. While only three counties in North Carolina have made this official, be on the lookout for more expanded changes in other states.

Handbooks

The start of a new year is a great time to set goals and establish new routines, it is also a good time to review and audit your handbook. Each year, businesses should check their handbooks to ensure they not only reflect current employment laws and regulations, but also the culture you are working to cultivate.

January is a great time for your business to audit all of its policies and procedures and ensure you are following all current rules and regulations. Do you have questions about any of these changes? We are here to help!

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