Federal labor laws have been evolving at a rapid pace. In an effort to measure and balance the benefits versus legal claims from workers, the U.S. government, federal, and local authorities are reviewing and looking to proactively pass new labor laws to protect the rights of workers.

Notably, in the effect of such regulations, it is progressively becoming common for cities and counties to execute laws that extend the gap between labor and benefits where state and federal constitution is seen as insufficient. US Labor Laws prepare employers across the country to comply and form several of these laws which will take effect this year.

To cite some of these regulations, here are two of the most significant laws that brought changes since January of 2017:

Paid Sick Leave
Increasing the number of paid sick time laws have been submitted and passed in cities and states and in some part of the US as many companies relinquish the vacation or sick time off policies in favor of one centralized Paid Time Off (PTO) policy. This may have the effect of leading employees becoming less willing to take time off when they are sick which compromises their health and can have an impact on the overall workforce. In reference to this matter, PayWizard has organized an overview list of some laws that cover Paid Sick Leave policies in order to strengthen employees’ stability.

Changes in Minimum Wage
While some parts of the country are facing a wage gap as the cost of living outpaces the rates in wages, the US government has implement higher rates for employees. In fact, some metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, Washington, and Seattle have determined to gradually increase the minimum wage from $11 to $15 per hour over the next few years as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulated the minimum wage for employees in private and public sectors, in both State or Federal governments stating that non-exempt employees must be paid the minimum or higher wage rate. To help us illustrate this topic, Dan Caplinger of Fox Business has come up with a chart that shows the minimum wage increases in 2017.

As a result of these and other changes in the laws, many companies are considering future reduction of employees and hiring global staff as an alternative. That is one of the biggest benefits of using a service like HireSmart Virtual Employees. We provide a hybrid approach to staffing. Allowing you to use managed outsourcing for some roles and using employees for those functions which are best served in-house.

We have helped many businesses in achieving their goals in this aspect. We are happy to do the same with you. Click here to schedule a call and see how we can help you.