What are my legal obligations as an employer regarding the payment of overtime to my employees in Georgia?
As an employer in Georgia, you are required to pay overtime to most employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that sets the minimum wage and overtime requirements applicable to most employers in the United States, including Georgia.
Under the FLSA, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek. Employers in Georgia must comply with both federal and state overtime laws, which means that you must pay the higher of the two rates of overtime pay.
However, not all employees are entitled to overtime pay. The FLSA provides several exemptions from the overtime requirement, including exemptions for executive, administrative, and professional employees. To qualify for these exemptions, an employee must meet certain job duties and salary requirements.
If your employees are covered by the FLSA and are non-exempt, you must keep accurate records of their hours worked and pay them overtime accordingly. Failure to pay overtime can result in legal action, including lawsuits and penalties.
If you have questions about your legal obligations regarding overtime pay in Georgia, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced employment law attorney. They can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as an employer and assist you in complying with applicable laws and regulations.