Overview
It seems that one of the most widely publicized employment law violations relates to companies who fail to properly pay overtime to their employees. We see commercials on television related to this topic, and well-known companies are often in the news for violating this law.
Most employers are required to pay overtime according to federal and state law. Overtime is 50 percent of the employee's hourly wage, which means the employee is paid "time and a half" for each hour of overtime worked. There are many exceptions to overtime laws, but generally speaking, employees eligible for overtime are "nonexempt" employees, and those not eligible for overtime are "exempt" employees.
Most state and federal laws set a weekly overtime standard. This means that non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours per week are to be paid overtime for all time worked above 40 hours. Some states (such as California) have daily overtime standards in addition to the weekly standards. This means that non-exempt employees are paid overtime for all time worked above eight hours per day, even if they do not work 40 hours in a week.
It is essential for HR practitioners, and all members of management, to understand how to properly classify employees and accurately record their time to avoid these types of violations. The laws are complex and can be somewhat confusing because of the number of exceptions to the rules.
In addition, HR practitioners are involved in ensuring appropriate compensation for employees. Understanding the employees’ job duties, the knowledge and skills needed to perform those duties, and their market value is essential knowledge for HR practitioners.
For this assessment, as the new owner of the "Aqua Irrigation Force" or your selected organization, you will need to develop the compensation and benefits plan for your potential new hires. As a franchise, you have just opened your company in a residential area and need to hire new workers. You will need to consider the location and the size of the company to complete this task.
In a 3–4 page paper:
- Select a position and determine the roles and responsibilities that are required.
- Explain the law that regulates paying minimum wage and overtime pay, considering that determining an employee's salary is a significant factor for any position. Explain the law that regulates paying minimum wage and overtime pay. Address the following in your analysis:
- What is the minimum wage in your community where the Aqua Irrigation Force, or your selected company, is located?
- What is the requirement for the employer regarding pay when employees need to work more than 40 hours in a week?
- Describe the benefits that a company has to provide to an employee.
- Explain the duties of a fiduciary and the role this plays in your company.
- Discuss the requirements for companies that offer pension plans.
- Describe wellness plans. What should they offer and what benefits do they provide to both companies and employees?