As a small or midsize business owner, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential penalties for breaking employment laws. Violating these laws can lead to significant financial consequences and damage to your business’s reputation.
This article aims to provide you with important information about the penalties associated with non-compliance, ensuring that you can make informed decisions and create a fair and inclusive workplace environment. Federal law requires businesses to display the latest “Know Your Rights” poster. In the bottom right corner, it will say “Revised 6/27/2023.”
Asure’s HR experts help business owners comply with federal, state, and local employment laws. Connect with an HR expert to learn more.
You Must Prominently Display the “Know Your Rights” Poster
The law mandates that employers must prominently display a notice describing federal laws that prohibit job discrimination. These laws cover various grounds such as race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, genetic information, and retaliation. Failing to post these notices can result in penalties imposed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Currently, the penalty stands at $659, which is subject to annual adjustments for inflation as required by law.
To simplify compliance with these requirements, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has created the “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster. This poster outlines the relevant laws and provides guidance for employees or applicants who believe they have experienced discrimination. Business owners must display this poster in a conspicuous location within the workplace, alongside other customary notices for applicants and employees.
The poster was updated on June 27, 2023, to include more rights for employees with disability, pregnancy, or related medical conditions. It informs employees of their rights under the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).
Ensure Compliance by Posting Electronically As Well
While physical posting is essential, businesses are also encouraged to make the notice available digitally on their websites. This practice helps ensure broader accessibility and compliance with the posting requirement. In some cases, electronic posting may be the only option, such as for employers without a physical location or for remote employees who do not visit the workplace regularly.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must make sure that notices regarding job discrimination laws are accessible to applicants and employees with mobility limitations. This includes providing printed notices in accessible formats, such as audio files or electronic formats compatible with screen-reading technology. By accommodating individuals with disabilities, you demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Moreover, with the recent enactment of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) on June 27, 2023, it is crucial to ensure that your posted materials comply with the latest requirements. These materials should be appropriately dated in the bottom right corner to reflect their currency.
You can download the latest version of the “Know Your Rights” poster here. To make this poster accessible to those with vision impairment, download the audio version here.
In addition to the “Know Your Rights” poster, there are other federal posters that may be required for your business. To obtain free copies of these posters, excluding the workplace discrimination notice, please contact the U.S. Department of Labor at 888-972-7332.
If you find it overwhelming to keep up with the fast-changing employment laws, learn more about partnering with the SHRM-certified HR experts at Asure.
Conclusion
Being aware of the penalties associated with non-compliance with employment laws is essential for small and midsize business owners. By understanding the requirements and diligently adhering to them, you can protect your business from financial penalties and legal repercussions. Moreover, maintaining a workplace that upholds fairness and inclusivity is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental aspect of fostering a positive and productive work environment.