What are my rights and obligations as an employer in Georgia?

As an employer in Georgia, you have certain rights and obligations that are dictated by federal and state labor laws. Here are some of the primary laws and regulations that you should be aware of:

1. Minimum wage: Georgia's minimum wage is $5.15 per hour, although this is superseded by the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Keep in mind that some cities and counties in Georgia may have enacted higher minimum wage laws.
2. Overtime pay: Under federal law, non-exempt employees must be paid at least one and a half times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Georgia does not have its own overtime laws, so employers must adhere to federal regulations.
3. Anti-discrimination laws: Georgia employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of certain factors, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. Employers are also required to reasonably accommodate employees with disabilities.
4. Workplace safety: Employers in Georgia must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which sets standards for workplace safety and requires employers to maintain a safe work environment.
5. Privacy: Georgia employers are prohibited from conducting certain types of surveillance on employees, including eavesdropping, wiretapping, and recording conversations without employees' knowledge and consent.
6. Workers' compensation: Employers in Georgia are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job.
7. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Under federal law, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain medical and family reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, and recovering from a serious health condition.

It's important to note that there may be additional requirements or exceptions depending on the size of your business, the industry you operate in, and other factors. It's always a good idea to consult with an attorney or HR professional to ensure that you're complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

If you're seeking further guidance or need to address a specific legal issue, you may want to consider contacting the Georgia Department of Labor or an employment law attorney.