Spokane businesses are constantly facing increasingly complex regulations and workplace challenges. Today, companies must navigate newly enacted legislation, adapt to workplace disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, onboard and manage employee life cycles, and face and resolve employment and labor disputes. These issues require a deep understanding of human resources (HR) law. By partnering with a Smith + Malek Spokane employer attorney, you can effectively manage your employees, face challenging situations, and maintain a positive and productive workplace.
What Services Does a Spokane Employment and Labor Attorney Offer?
Smith + Malek’s experienced team of attorneys can provide a wide range of labor and employment law services.
Compliance
Labor and employment laws change quickly at both the federal and local levels. Many compliance issues arise throughout an employee’s lifecycle. Your business must remain compliant with employment and labor laws and regulations. Non-compliance can result in serious fines and penalties and can even lead to closing your company.
HR lawyers help employers and business owners comply with workplace laws, including anti-discrimination laws, environmental regulations, benefits management, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, and more.
Discrimination
A major area of HR law is employment discrimination. Employers generally have the authority to define the terms of employment and can make decisions regarding hiring, firing, and promoting employees. However, employers cannot discriminate or make those decisions based on an employee’s race, age, religion, or membership in other protected classes.
A trusted Spokane employer lawyer can help you set up and implement non-discriminatory business practices. Our attorneys can create policies, procedures, employee handbooks, processes, and best practices to protect workers from harm and protect your business from legal actions.
Workplace Safety and Injuries
Employers, especially those with companies in more dangerous industries, must comply with safety and health standards and various laws and regulations. Some employers must provide medical treatment and loss wage reimbursement to some employees who suffer on-the-job injuries.
Smith + Malek’s attorneys are dedicated to addressing workplace safety or hazardous concerns. They can also defend against whistleblower claims and develop workplace safety policies to mitigate risk potential. Our team can help your business navigate complicated OSHA regulations and workers’ compensation claims.
Wage Requirements
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the federal minimum wage, but many states have higher rates. Many regulations surround overtime pay and the regularity of employee wages. An HR attorney can help your business obtain the information needed to meet the legal requirements of the FLSA, evolve with changes, and safeguard workers’ rights.
Benefits and Compensation
Spokane labor and employment attorneys can assist employers with employee benefit and compensation planning and administration. Benefits can include paid time off, 401(k) plans, leave of absence plans, and more. An HR attorney can explain benefits to employees and ensure they are offered fairly and in compliance with the laws. HR lawyers can also assist with compensation packages and negotiating contracts with new employees.
Hire a Smith + Malek Spokane Employment and Labor Attorney Today
Every business must be vigilant and stay abreast of HR laws and regulations. Nearly every company will face some type of employment issue. Smith + Malek’s experienced team of attorneys has helped hundreds of companies navigate complicated employment issues since 2015. We can also help you get your business off on the right foot by creating compliant laws and policies to mitigate risk and help you take on labor issues and litigation head-on as they arise.We offer each client individualized, one-on-one attention and support. We aim to provide HR law advice, build employee relations, and develop best practices that serve each client’s unique vision and needs. Contact Smith + Malek today to learn how we can help you create the best business environment for you and your employees.