Working in human resources requires expertise in various aspects of your field. Among the key areas where HR professionals need to be knowledgeable is compliance, particularly as it relates to employment law.
Specifically, enrolling in a Master of Legal Studies program can be an ideal way for these professionals to navigate compliance more confidently, specifically surrounding employment law.
By better understanding employment law as it relates to your own workplace, you can remain current and compliant in this critical field.
What Is Employment Law?
Employment law refers to labor laws that govern relationships between workers and employers. This includes laws related to discrimination, wages and benefits, and health and safety in the workplace.
Why Is Employment Law Important for HR Professionals?
Human resources professionals must be proficient in their understanding of employment law; in doing so, they can more readily draft and implement policies that protect workers and the organization itself. Likewise, HR professionals should be familiar with employment law so that they can use this knowledge to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.
Essential Employment Law Examples Every HR Professional Should Know
What are some more specific employment law examples that all HR professionals should know? Although these laws can (and do) change over time, below are several areas in which human resources professionals must have a solid understanding of employment law.
Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace
There are a range of laws in place designed to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly. Examples of discrimination and harassment laws include:
- Title VII
- Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act
Wage and Hour Laws Compliance
Numerous laws also exist to ensure employees are paid wages or salaries and have access to certain benefits. Some laws HR professionals should be aware of i include those related to:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Minimum wage and overtime
- Wage garnishment
Family and Medical Leave Act: Navigating Employee Rights
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is another employment law with which HR professionals should be especially familiar. In particular, this law is designed to provide employees with the ability to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons (such as the birth of a child). Being informed on the ins and outs of FMLA is a must for an HR professional, especially when it comes to protecting worker rights and staying in legal compliance.
Compliance in Remote Work Environments
These days, more employees are working hybrid or remotely—which has surfaced some interesting compliance issues. More specifically, human resources professionals have to be careful to ensure remote employees are being paid in compliance with wage and hour laws for remote workers and that all required data privacy protocols are followed. Thoroughly understanding compliance in remote work environments will only become increasingly crucial as more employers allow remote work.
Remaining Aware of State and Federal Laws
Depending on where you work, you may also need to remain in compliance with state and federal laws as part of your human resources role. This includes any state laws regarding remote work, wages, data privacy, and the like. As a result, HR professionals should keep a close eye on state-specific compliance and regulatory news.
How to Develop a Robust HR Compliance Program
Enacting a robust HR compliance program is essential for organizations of all scopes and sizes, making it possible for all other HR professionals and employees within the workplace to refer to and follow compliance standards in a way that is clear and consistent.
Importance of Training and Development for HR Teams on Legal Compliance
As part of an HR compliance program, all human resources team members should receive comprehensive training and education on topics related to legal compliance in the workplace. This includes training and development on employment law, legal issues, and best practices. From there, HR professionals can be united and on the same page regarding how to handle complaints or other potential compliance issues that arise.
Technology's Role in Ensuring HR Compliance
HR professionals should also be aware of the various technologies and tools available to help ensure HR compliance. This includes resources such as payroll processing software, benefits administration tools, and even performance review software. With the right technology (and proper training on how to use it), it is easier for HR teams and their respective organizations to remain consistently in compliance.
Modern Challenges in Employment Law for HR Professionals
Even with proper education and training, today's human resources professionals face a range of challenges regarding employment law and compliance in the workplace. Fortunately, with the right compliance strategies in place, HR professionals can overcome these obstacles and carry out their jobs effectively.
Implementing Effective Compliance Strategies in HR
Human resources professionals can more readily implement effective compliance strategies by taking the time to define their goals and ensure all compliance strategies align with the company culture and vision. Developing formal policies and standards while ensuring all employees receive proper training on each policy can go a long way. Additionally, keeping detailed records of training and being proactive about monitoring compliance can optimize strategies and keep all team members aligned.
How to Remain Compliant in HR
Ultimately, the best way to remain in compliance with employment law is to stay informed. Knowledge is power, so human resources professionals are urged to leverage the education available to them while taking advantage of the tech and compliance monitoring tools out there.
Leveraging HR Tech for Compliance Monitoring and Reporting
HR technology and software (such as overtime monitoring tools and pay transparency tools) can help human resources professionals monitor compliance accurately at any given time. Many of these technological tools also make it possible to generate reports that maximize transparency and ensure everyone is being treated fairly.
Education in Employment Law
Perhaps more than anything else, however, human resources professionals can ensure compliance by simply remaining aware of employment law and any changes that might occur. The best way to do this is through a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree program, which can equip human resources professionals with the insights they need to better understand employment law, compliance, and other key topics affecting the field.
The Role of an M.L.S. in Navigating Employment Law
Investing in a Master of Legal Studies program can help human resources professionals gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to better understand employment law and the common compliance issues surrounding it. Through this type of rigorous program, students can enhance their critical thinking skills and more confidently create and implement compliance programs within their respective departments, making them more valuable assets to their companies in the process.
How an M.L.S. Enhances Knowledge of Employment Law
An M.L.S. program will cover various aspects of employment law comprehensively, allowing human resources professionals to elevate their knowledge and confidence. By enhancing both theoretical and practical understanding of employment law, an M.L.S. degree provides professionals with the necessary skills to effectively manage legal aspects of human resources, mitigate risks, and ensure organizational compliance with laws and regulations.
Key Areas of Employment Law for HR Compliance
M.L.S. programs cover many particular areas of employment law, including:
- Hiring, talent acquisition, and termination practices
- Employment contracts
- Wages and hours law
- Immigration law
- Labor relations
- Information privacy law regarding employees’ personal data
- Discrimination and harassment law, including equal employment opportunity
- Workplace health and safety
- Accommodations for disabilities
- Employee benefits and compensation (like health insurance, retirement plans, and workers’ compensation)
- Family and medical leave
What Are the First Steps in Ensuring Compliance with Employment Law?
The first step for any human resources professional to comply with employment law is to make sure they understand the most current versions of the law. From there, having a solid compliance strategy or program in place can make all the difference in maintaining compliance and consistency in the workplace.
How Often Should HR Professionals Update Their Knowledge of Employment Laws?
Employment laws are not static and, in fact, can change and evolve on a fairly regular basis. With this in mind, any HR professional should be prepared to stay updated on employment law changes and other news on a daily basis. This includes subscribing to reputable news sources as well as being proactive about reading up on state-specific law and policy changes.
Advance Your Career with an Online Master of Legal Studies Degree
A crucial part of your job as a human resources professional is staying on top of changes to employment law and ensuring compliance at every stage of the game. Of course, that can be easier said than done—especially in the ever-changing legal landscape.
By pursuing an online Master of Legal Studies degree, you can enhance your knowledge of employment law and compliance while boosting your confidence as an HR professional. At the University of Miami School of Law, our M.L.S. online curriculum is offered with an HR track to help you get the most out of the program. Get in touch to request more information about our online Master of Legal Studies program and what it can do for your career or apply online today.
Sources
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/M.L.S./
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/M.L.S./curriculum/
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla
