July 24, 2018 marked the ninth anniversary since the last time the federal minimum wage rate was increased, to $7.25 per hour. Federal laws explain that no state may set minimum wages at less than this amount, but they are welcome to offer more, which Illinois does. In 2010, Illinois raised the state minimum wage to $8.25 per hour. Although there is strong support for another increase, to date, the amount has remained the same. While it seems like it should be easy to pay an employee for the amount they work, there are many complexities to this process that can result in disputes between employers and employees. Common errors include the miscalculation of overtime pay, wage shortages, and violations of minimum wage requirements.

A Complex Math

Verifying that employees are paid correctly for the time worked should be simple, but violations often occur nonetheless. Often, determining the amount of time worked is not the problem; rather, it is the minor nuances that cause violations. Consider the following examples:

The primary goal for most small business owners is to have a thriving business. Expanding a customer base is a crucial component of growing your business. Many companies accomplish this goal by gathering data about their patrons for future use. For instance, many companies collect email information to provide their customers with notices about upcoming events and sales. This method is useful in creating repeat customers and increases the probability of additional traffic. However, businesses must use caution with their clients’ information to avoid breaking federal laws surrounding data privacy and limit the possibility of commercial litigation.

Online Interaction

The majority of companies today use a website to serve the needs of their clients better. However, these websites often track every move each customer makes, storing this information in a database. Small businesses should be sure to follow the proper procedures to protect this customer data. Creating a valid privacy policy is an excellent way to begin. When creating one for your business, keep the verbiage simple and adhere to your promises. Once your plan is ready, make it visible for all customers to read before proceeding with your website.

They say that “time is money,” and that is true in all aspects of life. No matter whether you are discussing your personal life or your business, saving time ultimately saves you money. Especially in a business aspect, proper time management enables you to get more work accomplished efficiently, which can earn your business more money and cut down on overhead costs while ensuring that you meet the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Here are a few time management tips that will help you in both your business and your personal life:

Ditch the Smart Device

Unless your business operates directly on your smartphone, you should make it a habit to keep it out of reach, especially during business hours. Employee cell phone usage should be limited as well. Even the best worker has a hard time avoiding the temptation of checking their device at work. Remove the temptation by either requiring that cell phones be left in one’s vehicle or locker or kept turned off at work. Lead by example and follow the rule yourself to gain optimum efficiency.

Owning a small business in the state of Illinois is both exciting and rewarding. Companies in Illinois have many advantages working in their favor, such as a large and diverse marketplace and a robust, skilled workforce. With these benefits comes the responsibility of maintaining a well-functioning workplace for your employees. An employer can build and sustain a better business by adopting proper record keeping practices. Without adequate data recording, vital information frequently becomes lost, resulting in errors that can impact the quality of the work environment and even result in citations and other penalties.

Why Are Records Important?

Record keeping is one of your most important duties as small business owner, regardless of what type of business you own. There are various methods for keeping track of necessary documents, ranging from file folders in a filing cabinet to an electronic or online system. You must compare all of your options and choose the one best suited for your needs.

As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide a clean and hazard-free work environment for your employees. One method that has been proven effective in reducing workplace safety concerns is ensuring that workers are not overworked. Requiring employees to work an exorbitant amount of hours without ample rest increases stress, lowers morale, and creates an environment prone to mistakes and injuries. It is in the best interest of the employee, the client, and even yourself to abide by the Illinois One Day of Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA). Doing so can also help avoid any disputes related to overtime pay.

More Than Just a Rest Day

As the name of the act implies, within a seven-day workweek, there must be one full 24-hour rest day. The term “week” refers to seven consecutive 24-hour days beginning at 12:01 AM on Sunday morning and ending at midnight the following Saturday night. The rest day should coincide with the employee’s traditional day of chosen religious worship. The legislation also requires a mandatory unpaid 20-minute meal break for every seven and a half hour shift, which must be given within the first five hours of work. If your employee is a hotel room attendant in Cook County, they receive one 30-minute meal break for a seven-hour shift in addition to two 15-minute rest breaks.