As the holiday season approaches, employers across various industries are making preparations to increase their hiring efforts. Many businesses will rely on temporary workers to handle the increased demand that holiday shopping typically ushers in. This makes understanding and avoiding the potential legal issues related to seasonal employment a necessity. With this in mind, we’ve put together a ten-step compliance plan to help you tread carefully during this period.
Fisher Phillips provides numerous practical tips that should keep your business compliant as you ready yourself for the holiday rush.
- Among the major preparations to take into consideration is overtime. Ensure you understand the state and federal overtime laws that apply to your business. Non-compliance could lead to severe financial penalties.
- Understand the distinctions between employees and independent contractors. Misclassification can lead to significant legal consequences, as well.
- Be upfront about the temporary nature of the job. This will help manage expectations and avoid potential legal issues down the line.
- Ensure that all required forms are filled out correctly and in a timely fashion. This includes not only state and federal labor documentation, but also forms relating to immigration law.
- It’s vital to provide adequate training for your temporary workers. By giving workers the right tools and knowledge, you can reduce risk and protect your business from potential legal pitfalls.
These steps are merely a starting point. The business of hiring temporary staff requires understanding and adapting to rapidly changing laws. It’s wise for legal professionals and businesses alike to remain aware of developments in this area ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.