--- title: 11 Ways Companies Accidentally Break Employment Laws description: HR regulations are increasingly complex – making it disturbingly easy to violate employment laws. But ignorance is not a viable defense, making it a risk. image: https://blog.telstaffing.com/hubfs/how-companies-accidentally-break-employment-laws%201.png --- 1-866-476-9008 [Solutions@TELStaffing.com](mailto:Solutions@TELStaffing.com) - [CLIENT/EMPLOYEE PORTAL |](https://teltotalcare.com/) - [About TEL |](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/) - [Who We Are](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#who) - [Company History](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#history) - [Meet the Team](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#meet) - [Memberships & Affiliations](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#memberships) - [What We Do](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#what) - [Services Overview](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#overview) - [Community Impact](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#community) - [Professional Solutions Available](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#prosolutions) - [Why We Do It](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#why) - [Purpose & Philosophy](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#purpose) - [Vision & Mission](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#mission) - [Helping Clients. 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[Vision & Mission](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#mission) - [Helping Clients. Helping Communities.](https://telstaffing.com/what-is-a-peo-about-tel/#helping) - How You Benefit - [Measurable Savings](https://telstaffing.com/benefits-of-using-a-peo-aso-or-payroll-company/#savings) - [The TEL Difference](https://telstaffing.com/benefits-of-using-a-peo-aso-or-payroll-company/#choosetel) - [Client Testimonials](https://telstaffing.com/benefits-of-using-a-peo-aso-or-payroll-company/#testimonials) - [Blog](https://blog.telstaffing.com) - REQUEST A QUOTE ![11 Ways Companies Accidentally Break Employment Laws](https://blog.telstaffing.com/hubfs/how-companies-accidentally-break-employment-laws%201.png) # 11 Ways Companies Accidentally Break Employment Laws - Home - [TEL Staffing & HR Blog](https://blog.telstaffing.com) - 11 Ways Companies Accidentally Break Employment Laws 06/04/2024 [Compliance](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/compliance) [0 Comments](https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-companies-accidentally-break-employment-laws#postComment) 2 Minutes Navigating HR regulations has become increasingly complex for businesses today. With new laws and amendments cropping up frequently, it’s disturbingly easy for companies to inadvertently breach employment laws. However, ignorance is never a viable defense, and such violations can lead to significant financial repercussions and legal trouble. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the all-too-common ways companies can accidentally break employment laws and how you can avoid these pitfalls. ## How Companies Accidentally Break Employment Laws [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/44774461/61c1fae9-2ad3-4d04-be59-d0eedd2943cd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/44774461/61c1fae9-2ad3-4d04-be59-d0eedd2943cd) Employing a proactive approach to HR compliance is a legal necessity – and a strategic advantage. Understanding and addressing these common pitfalls can safeguard your business, [optimize operations](https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-to-manage-business-growth), and foster a positive workplace environment. ### 1. Not Providing Adequate Breaks Many jurisdictions have specific regulations regarding employee break times. Companies often overlook these, especially for non-exempt employees, leading to potential Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) violations. Ensuring compliance with mandated break periods upholds legal adherence, but it also helps maintain employee well-being and productivity, creating a better work environment that [helps staff feel more engaged](https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-hr-impacts-employee-engagement). ### 2. Improper Employee Surveillance While employers have certain rights to monitor employee activities at work, there are strict legal boundaries. Excessive surveillance or monitoring without employee consent can breach privacy laws. It’s crucial to balance monitoring for safety and security with respecting employees' privacy rights. ### 3. Not Paying Proper Overtime Hours Any time employees work more than 40 hours a week, they must be compensated with overtime pay, regardless of whether they volunteered for the extra hours or not. Failure to comply with this can result in severe penalties under the FLSA. Properly tracking and compensating overtime is essential for legal compliance and employee satisfaction. [![Tel's 2023 HR Calendar](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/44774461/e5d15295-8e48-4001-9070-da8b7edf5bcc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/44774461/e5d15295-8e48-4001-9070-da8b7edf5bcc) ### 4. Failure to Update Employee Handbooks An outdated employee handbook can lead to inconsistencies and non-compliance with current laws and regulations. Regularly updating the handbook ensures that company practices align with the latest legal requirements, thus safeguarding against unintentional violations. Keeping practices up to date – and recording them – can also help signify your company’s commitment to upholding regulations. ### 5. Inadequate Record Keeping Poor maintenance of employment records, such as hours worked and compensation, can result in FLSA violations and other regulatory issues. Accurate and detailed record-keeping is vital for demonstrating compliance in the event of an audit or legal inquiry. ### 6. Neglecting Harassment and Discrimination Complaints Failing to investigate complaints of harassment or discrimination promptly and thoroughly can violate Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and create a hostile work environment. Establishing a robust process for handling complaints is critical for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. ### 7. Denying Reasonable Accommodations Not providing or outright refusing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, pregnancy, or religious practices violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and EEO laws. Employers must engage in an interactive process with employees to identify and implement suitable accommodations. [![MAXIMIZE GROWTH, MINIMIZE STRESS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/44774461/6e5f55a3-8690-43e4-8eee-258fa23ea03c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/44774461/6e5f55a3-8690-43e4-8eee-258fa23ea03c) ### 8. Retaliation Against Employees Retaliating against employees for engaging in protected activities, such as filing a complaint or participating in an investigation, is illegal under various employment laws. Companies must foster a culture where employees feel safe to voice concerns without fear of retribution. ### 9. Incorrect Overtime Calculations Misclassifying employees as exempt or non-exempt and making errors in calculating overtime pay can lead to FLSA violations. It’s crucial to correctly classify employees and accurately calculate their overtime compensation. ### 10. Failure to Conduct Mandatory Training Many jurisdictions mandate specific training, such as sexual harassment prevention and safety training. Overlooking these requirements can result in significant legal and compliance issues. Regularly scheduled, comprehensive training programs are essential for legal compliance and employee awareness. ### 11. Mishandling Employee Leave Requests Improperly denying or failing to recognize eligible leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or ADA can lead to significant legal challenges. Employers must be well-versed in the eligibility criteria and procedural requirements to properly manage leave requests. ## Let TEL Keep You Up-to-Date with HR Regulations Staying ahead of rapidly changing HR regulations can be daunting. That’s where TEL comes in. With our expertise and capabilities, we can manage your HR burdens, ensuring your company remains compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. By relying on our knowledge and experience, you can focus on what you do best—running your business. Ready to protect your business from unintentional legal pitfalls? [Contact TEL today](https://telstaffing.com/) and let us help you navigate the complex world of HR regulations.  [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/44774461/717b6d98-22c0-4f98-8e9e-5e5158ce52ba.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/44774461/717b6d98-22c0-4f98-8e9e-5e5158ce52ba) --- #### Tag: [Compliance](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/compliance) #### Share: - [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-companies-accidentally-break-employment-laws) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-companies-accidentally-break-employment-laws&text=11%20Ways%20Companies%20Accidentally%20Break%20Employment%20Laws) - [Follow us on Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-companies-accidentally-break-employment-laws) - [Follow us on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-companies-accidentally-break-employment-laws&text=11%20Ways%20Companies%20Accidentally%20Break%20Employment%20Lawsdescription=Navigating%20HR%20regulations%20has%20become%20increasingly%20complex%20for%20businesses%20today.%20With%20new%20laws%20and%20amendments%20cropping%20up%20frequently,%20it’s%20disturbingly%20easy%20for[...]&media=https://44774461.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/44774461/how-companies-accidentally-break-employment-laws%201.png) --- #### [How PEOs that Customize Let you Choose Which Functions You Outsource Previous Post](https://blog.telstaffing.com/can-you-customize-peo-benefits) #### [A Breakdown of How Pricing Works for HR Outsourcing Next Post](https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-hr-outsourcing-pricing-works) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Category - [Human Resources (25)](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/human-resources) - [Outsourcing HR (24)](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/outsourcing-hr) - [Employee Retention (23)](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/employee-retention) - [Compliance (21)](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/compliance) - [HR Strategy (20)](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/hr-strategy) ### Popular Posts [TEL](https://blog.telstaffing.com/author/tel) 11/25/2024 [Compliance](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/compliance), [Healthcare](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/healthcare), [HR Consulting](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/hr-consulting), [ACA](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/aca), [Affordable Care Act](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/affordable-care-act), [Human Resources](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/human-resources) [ACA Audits 101: What To Expect And How To Be Prepared](https://blog.telstaffing.com/aca-audits-101-what-to-expect-and-how-to-be-prepared) [TEL](https://blog.telstaffing.com/author/tel) 06/27/2024 [Broker](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/broker) [Mastering the Path to PEO Brokerhood in 7 Steps](https://blog.telstaffing.com/path-to-peo-brokership) [TEL](https://blog.telstaffing.com/author/tel) 11/18/2025 [Human Resources](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/human-resources), [Employee Retention](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/employee-retention), [Q4](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/q4) [10 Creative, Low-Cost Ways to Thank Your Team](https://blog.telstaffing.com/10-creative-low-cost-ways-to-thank-your-team) [TEL](https://blog.telstaffing.com/author/tel) 07/18/2024 [Broker](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/broker) [What is a PEO Broker? 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It is about protecting your business from costly… [Read More](https://blog.telstaffing.com/top-hr-compliance-risks-and-how-to-avoid-them) [Compliance](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/compliance), [HR Strategy](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/hr-strategy), [Human Resources](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/human-resources), [Business Owner](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/business-owner) [TEL](https://blog.telstaffing.com/author/tel) 24 March, 2026 #### [How to Streamline Your Employee Documentation](https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-to-streamline-your-employee-documentation) Employee documentation is one of the most important parts of effective HR management, but it is… [Read More](https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-to-streamline-your-employee-documentation) [Compliance](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/compliance), [Payroll](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/payroll), [Employee Retention](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/employee-retention), [Q1](https://blog.telstaffing.com/tag/q1) [TEL](https://blog.telstaffing.com/author/tel) 13 January, 2026 #### [How to Audit Your Payroll and Start Fresh in 2026](https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-to-audit-your-payroll-and-start-fresh-in-2026) Payroll is the most visible expression of trust between your company and your employees. When it’s… [Read More](https://blog.telstaffing.com/how-to-audit-your-payroll-and-start-fresh-in-2026) ![Bottom Banner](https://blog.telstaffing.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Telstaffing_January2024/images/pensacola-beach-sunrise%20-%20Copy.jpg) ## With over 25 years of experience, we’ve seen it all. Let us solve your business challenges today. 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