HR Operations

Employment Law Fundamentals

• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Reasonable accommodations, interactive process, essential job functions
• FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act): Eligibility criteria, leave entitlements, job protection, intermittent leave
• Title VII (Civil Rights Act): Protected classes, discrimination prevention, harassment policies, reporting procedures
• FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act): Minimum wage, overtime eligibility, exempt vs non-exempt classification, recordkeeping
• WARN Act: Mass layoff notification requirements, plant closing obligations
• OSHA: Workplace safety standards, reporting requirements, hazard communication

Policy Best Practices

• Use clear, unambiguous language accessible to all reading levels
• Include purpose, scope, definitions, procedures, and enforcement sections
• Reference applicable federal, state, and local laws
• Build in regular review cycles (annual minimum)
• Obtain legal counsel review before implementation
• Maintain version control and revision history
• Ensure consistent application across the organization