What are the basic steps an Georgia business needs to take in order to comply with employment laws?

As a lawyer, I can provide guidance on the basic steps a Georgia business needs to take in order to comply with employment laws. These are as follows:

1. Employment posters: One of the primary steps businesses in Georgia should take is posting the required employment posters in the workplace. These posters should include the Federal, Georgia, and any applicable city or county notices that are required by law. Some of the posters that Georgia employers must post include those related to minimum wage, worker's compensation rights, unemployment insurance benefits, and workplace safety, among others.

2. Employee paperwork: Georgia employers must obtain certain documentation from their employees at the time of hire. This includes the immigration status or a sworn affidavit attesting to the employee's eligibility to work in the United States. Georgia also requires employers to maintain certain employee records such as work hours, payroll, and tax information.

3. Anti-discrimination policies: Georgia employers must comply with state and federal anti-discrimination laws, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, and other protected characteristics. To comply with these laws, employers should establish and implement written policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

4. E-Verify: Georgia law requires certain employers to use the federal E-Verify program to check the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Companies with more than 10 employees are required to participate in the E-Verify program.

5. Overtime: Georgia employers must comply with state and federal overtime laws, which require payment of overtime to non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek. Georgia law requires payment of 1.5 times an employee's regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

6. Workers' compensation: Georgia law requires employers with three or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. This insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.

7. Wage payment: Georgia law requires payment of at least minimum wage to non-exempt employees. Georgia's minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour, but employers must comply with any higher minimum wage established by federal or local law. Employers must also provide employees with a written statement of their wages and deductions.

In general, Georgia employers must remain aware of changes to state and federal labor laws to ensure that they remain in compliance. Engaging the services of an experienced employment law attorney can help businesses navigate complex labor law issues and prevent legal disputes.

It's important to keep in mind that compliance with employment laws is an ongoing process that requires regular and consistent attention. Failure to comply with employment laws can result in legal and financial consequences for businesses.