U.S. Department of Labor Blog
Small businesses strengthen our communities and drive economic growth. In fact, they generate about two-thirds of new jobs every year in the United States. Running a small business is rewarding, but it’s not easy – and staying up to speed on labor laws can be challenging. In recognition of Small Business Saturday (November 30, 2019), here are seven Labor Department pages that can help you make sure your small business is complying with the law.
Common Questions
What labor standards apply to new and small businesses? What posters do you need to display in the workplace? If you work with the federal government, what additional responsibilities do you have? Find resources to answer these and other common questions about running a small business on the Employer.gov Small Business Page.
Rules and Regulations
The first step toward meeting your legal requirements is making sure you understand them. Our Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization can help explain the rules and regulations the Department enforces. The page also connects to state compliance assistance resources, workplace poster requirements, and information from the Small Business Administration.
No-Cost Safety Consultations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers compliance assistance resources and guidance specifically for small businesses, including their On-Site Consultation Program, which provides free, confidential safety and health advice to small and medium-sized businesses across the country. You can also assess yourself with self-inspection checklists in their small business handbook.
Wage and Hour Rules
If you’ve got questions about employee wages, child labor, family and medical leave, or recordkeeping, the Wage and Hour Small Business Portal can help – including links to plain-language explanatory videos and compliance assistance toolkits.
Benefits Guidance
Do you offer health, retirement, or other employee benefits? Find resources to help you select a plan, understand your plan operation obligations, and file annual reports on the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Small Business Page.
Federal Contracts
If you conduct business with the federal government, you know contractors are held to a high standard for equal employment opportunity. You can use the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ Small Business Guide as a self-assessment tool to ensure that your employment practices eliminate discrimination and achieve equal employment opportunity goals.
The Office of Compliance Initiatives complements the Department’s ongoing enforcement efforts and focuses on providing compliance assistance resources to small businesses and other stakeholders.
S. Marisela Douglass is the director of the Department’s Office of Compliance Initiatives.
