Here, we`ll look at what laws and regulations shape personnel law and what can happen if a company doesn`t comply. In the event of non-compliance, an employee has the right to sue for a variety of reasons. HR departments must therefore be aware of all laws and regulations. They also need to understand how they should deal with potential legal issues. HR professionals with legal expertise also have a competitive advantage in the workplace due to their ability to proactively minimize a company`s exposure to legal risk. With their working knowledge of applicable laws and their practical applications, they help companies stay compliant and avoid unnecessary claims while protecting the rights of valued employees. “In my law classes, students don`t just memorize laws, because [laws change] and] what they learn today may not be applied in six months. Instead, we work to establish critical thinking skills and work within a fact model to see how HR professionals can apply the law to facts in various real-world scenarios. Regulatory compliance defines the process by which a company — and the employees working for that company — ensure that state and federal regulations are met.
Most HR departments achieve this by developing a regulatory compliance program that allows them to review business policies and procedures and confirm compliance with government regulations. For example, a legal compliance program may require employees to be trained to identify and report discriminatory activities that do not comply with equal opportunity laws, and then create a process to address reported discriminatory behavior within the company. Such a process helps employers be aware of behaviours that violate workplace mandates and ensure regulatory compliance. With a variety of legal requirements, it`s easy to overlook the importance of staying informed and regularly adjusting workplace policies. These professionals are responsible for frequently making decisions in the field that can have serious legal consequences, so knowing current human resources laws gives these industry workers the confidence to make those decisions or know when to turn to outside counsel. Another important legal issue in human resources is the prevention of harassment. Companies must develop anti-harassment policies aimed at creating and maintaining a work environment where people are treated with dignity, decency and respect. These policies must be easily accessible to all new and existing employees. In addition, training should also be provided to all managers to ensure that they are able to identify potential instances of harassment and behaviour, fair, impartial and thorough investigations in the event of an employee complaint. If you are considering earning a degree in human resource management, which is often pursued by future HR professionals, evaluate the program of programs on your shortlist. High-quality programs include courses in each of the above areas, including the specific legal aspects that HR professionals need to understand. Apart from that, the U.S.
Department of Labor (DOL) has also implemented a program to help companies ensure they comply with all legal issues for HR professionals. If you`re a business owner or manager, it`s important to understand that a well-managed HR department can help avoid risk and perhaps even prevent lawsuits against the business. If you are an employee, it is important to know that HR has certain obligations to you that it must also fulfill. What exactly is HR responsible for? Failure to comply with any of the laws listed above may result in penalties against the employer or even result in an action for damages against the employer. Compliance with various labour laws can take various forms, such as proof of insurance, filing reports, or taking timely action to identify a law that is not being followed. Therefore, it is imperative for any human resources professional not only to know what behavior is required to ensure that a law is followed, but also to know how to demonstrate compliance and keep adequate records to protect a business. Keeping track of compliance laws and their requirements can help prevent problems long before they occur and ultimately ensure the safety of every employee in the company. Lawsuits can be costly and time-consuming. HR departments must therefore take a number of steps to avoid all costs.
By taking precautions to protect your business from potential legal issues, you can ensure that all employees have a fair work environment and prevent potential issues from escalating into lawsuits. Follow the tips below to prepare your business for potential claims.