What steps do I need to take as an employer in Ohio to ensure I'm in compliance with state laws on minimum wage and overtime?

As an employer in Ohio, there are several steps you can take to ensure compliance with state laws on minimum wage and overtime. First and foremost, you should ensure that you are paying your employees at least the minimum wage required by Ohio law. Currently, Ohio's minimum wage is $8.80 per hour for non-tipped employees and $4.40 per hour for tipped employees, though these rates may change over time.

In addition to paying your employees the minimum wage, you should also ensure that you are paying eligible employees overtime when required. Ohio law requires that eligible employees be paid one and a half times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a given workweek. Eligible employees include those who are not exempt from overtime under federal and state law.

To ensure compliance with Ohio's minimum wage and overtime laws, you should consider the following steps:

• Regularly review your payroll records to ensure that all employees are being paid at least the minimum wage and that eligible employees are being paid overtime when required.
• Ensure that your employees are classified correctly as exempt or non-exempt for purposes of overtime pay. Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay, while non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a given workweek.
• Familiarize yourself with Ohio's rules and regulations regarding minimum wage and overtime, including any exceptions or exemptions that may be applicable in your industry or for specific types of employees.
• Train your managers and supervisors on Ohio's minimum wage and overtime laws to ensure they are correctly calculating pay and overtime for their teams.
• Keep accurate records of all employee hours worked, pay rates, and overtime pay to ensure compliance with Ohio law and to protect against potential legal claims.

It is important to note that there are some exceptions and limitations to Ohio's minimum wage and overtime laws. For example, certain industries may be exempt from paying the minimum wage or overtime rates set forth under state law. Additionally, exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay, even if they work more than 40 hours in a given week.

If you have questions about your obligations as an employer under Ohio's minimum wage and overtime laws, or if you are facing a legal claim related to wage and hour issues, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney who can provide personalized legal advice based on the specific circumstances of your case.