Wage & Hour Fundamentals

The “Wage & Hour Fundamentals” program is designed to help businesses, HR professionals, and payroll managers understand and comply with wage and hour laws. These laws, governed primarily by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the U.S., set standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. This program provides a comprehensive overview of wage and hour laws, covering key topics such as employee classification, calculating wages and overtime, maintaining accurate payroll records, and managing legal risks. Participants will gain valuable insights into best practices for handling wage disputes, scheduling, and ensuring fair compensation practices.

The primary objective of this program is to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain compliance with wage and hour laws, streamline payroll processes, and foster fair and ethical compensation practices.

• Understand the key components of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state wage laws.
• Learn how to properly classify employees as exempt or non-exempt.
• Develop skills to calculate wages, overtime, and manage payroll effectively.
• Gain insights into maintaining accurate and compliant payroll records.
• Implement best practices for preventing wage and hour disputes.

Module 1: Introduction to Wage & Hour Laws

• Overview of federal and state regulations, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Key provisions of wage and hour laws and their impact on businesses and employees

Module 2: Employee Classification

• Understanding exempt vs. non-exempt status and how it impacts wages
• Criteria for determining employee classification under wage and hour laws

Module 3: Calculating Wages & Overtime

• Step-by-step guidance on calculating regular and overtime pay correctly
• Understanding regular hourly pay, overtime pay rates, and special wage considerations (e.g., shift differentials, bonuses)

Module 4: Payroll Management & Recordkeeping

• Best practices for maintaining accurate payroll records and ensuring compliance
• Retention periods for payroll records and audits

Module 5: Handling Wage Disputes & Compliance Risks

• Strategies for managing disputes over pay and preventing violations
• Common wage and hour pitfalls and how to avoid them (e.g., improper classification, failure to pay overtime)

Ideal for HR professionals, payroll managers, business owners, and anyone responsible for managing employee compensation and payroll compliance.